Derivatives of 2h-pyran-3(6h)-ones and preparation thereof



United States Patent 3,547,912 DERIVATIVES 0F 2H-PYRAN-3(6H)-ONES AND PREPARATION THEREOF Yvon Lefebvre, Pierrefonds, Quebec, Canada, assignor to American Home Products Corporation, New York, N.Y., a corporation of Delaware No Drawing. Filed July 29, 1968, Ser. No. 748,196 Int. Cl. C07c 173/00 U.S. Cl. 260-23955 23 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE There are disclosed herein 3,24-dihydroxy-l7fl,24- epoxy 19,21 dinorchola 1,3,5() trien 20 one and its corresponding l,3,5(10),22 tetraen 2O one, 3,24 dihydroxy 175,24 epoxy 19,21 dinorchola- 1,3,5,6,8(9) pentaen 20 one and its corresponding l,3,5,6,8(9),22 hexaen 20 one, 7u,8-17B,24-diepoxy- 3,24 dihydroxy 19,21 dinorchola 1,3,5(l 0) trien- 20-one and its corresponding 1,3,5 (l0),22-tetraen-20-one, and its corresponding 1,3,5(10),.22-tetraen-20-one, and and their 3-ethers, 3-esters, 3,24-diethers, 3,24-diesters, as well as their 3-ethers-24-esters and 3-esters-24-ethers, and 3,175 dihydroxy 2O oxo 19,21 dinorchola-l,3,5 (10)-trienoic acid fi-lactone and its corresponding 1,3,5 10,22 tetraenoic acid B-lactone, 3,17/3-dihydroxy-20- oxo-l9,2l-dinorchola-l,3,5,6,8(9)-pentaenoic acid fi-lactone and its corresponding 1,3,5,6,8(9),22-hexaenoic acid fi-lactone 3,l7,8-dihydroxy-7u,8-epoxy-20-oxo-19,2l-dinorchola-l,3,5(10)-trienoic acid 6-lactone and its corresponding 1,3,5(10),22-tetraenoic acid B-lactone and their 3- ethers and 3-esters, in which the ether-forming groups are lower alkyl groups containing from 1-4 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl groups, containing from 56 carbon atoms, or, in 3-position only, the tetrahydropyranyl group; and the ester-forming groups are acids containing from 27 carbon atoms. The compounds have anti-gonadotrophic and anti-progestational activities, and methods for their preparation and use are also disclosed.

The present invention relates to derivatives of 3-pyranones, to a process for preparing those compounds, and to intermediates used in their preparation.

The derivatives of 3-pyranones of this invention may be represented by the Formulae I or Ia in which the dotted line represents an optional double bond; R and R together represent a ketonic oxygen, or R represents hydrogen and R represents the hydroxyl group, an aliphatic acyloxy group containing from 2-7 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group containing from 1-4 carbon atoms or a cycloalkoxy group containing from 5-6 carbon atoms; and Z represents carbon atom 2 of the 2H- pyran-3(6H)-one ring, substituted with R and R so that the compounds of Formula I may also be represented by the Formula Ia shown above, with R and R each representing hydrogen; or R representing hydrogen and R representing an organic radical such as, for example, an alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group, an aryl or aralkyl group, all of which may also be substituted with substituents such as, for example, lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, halogen, trihalomethyl, or nitro groups; or R and R each representing the same or different organic radicals as defined above; or Z represents simultaneously both carbon atom 3,547,912 Patented Dec. 15, 197i) 2 of the pyranone ring and a carbon atom of a carbocyclic ring system, in particular carbon atom 17 of a steroid nucleus of the estrane or the androstane series together with substituents attached thereto.

In addition, the organic radicals defined above may also contain isolated double bonds or conjugated double bonds apart from aromtaic double bonds which may be present.

A preferred embodiment of this invention relates to spiro compounds of Formula I in which Z represents simultaneously both carbon atom 2 of the pyranone ring and carbon atom 17 of a steroid nucleus of the estrane series. Those compounds may be represented by Formulae VIII, IX and X.

VIII

RO- I in which R represents hydrogen, an alkyl group containing from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group containing from 5 to 6 carbon atoms, the tetrahydropyranyl group, or an acyl group containing from 2 to 7 carbon atoms, and R and R are as defined above. This preferred embodiment also relates to the process for preparing the above compounds, and to intermediates and starting materials used in their preparation.

Those compounds are more conveniently named as derivatives of 17 3-hydroxy-19,2l-dinorcholane than as derivatives of 2H-pyran-3(6H)-one, and it is preferred to use the former nomenclature throughout the further text. This entails re-numbering the carbon atoms of the pyranone ring as members of the 19,21-dinorcholane ring system, as shown above in Formula VIII.

The l7B-hydroxy-19,2l-dinorcholane derivatives of the preferred embodiment of this invention possess antigonadotrophic and antiprogestational activities. More particularly, these derivatives exhibit utility as antigonadotrophic agents in standard pharmacological tests, for example, in the test described by C. Revesz and C. I. Chappel, J. Reprod. Fert., 12, 473 (1966).

In addition, these derivatives exhibit antiprogestational activity when tested by procedures designed to demonstrate this activity, for example, the procedure described by F. Newmann in Methods in Drug Evaluation, P. Mantegazza and F. Piccinni, Editors, North-Holland Publishing Co., Amsterdam, 1966, page 548.

When the above 17fl-hydroxy-19,21-dinorcholane derivatives are employed as antigonadotrophic or antiprogestational agents in warm-blooded animals, for example, rats, they may be administered orally, alone or in tablets combined with pharmacologically acceptable excipients, such as starch, milk sugar and so forth. They may also be administered orally in the form of solutions in suitable vehicles such as vegetable oils.

The dosage of these 17 8-hydroxy-19,2l-dinorcholane derivatives will vary with the particular compound chosen and form of administartion. Furthermore, it will vary with the particular host under treatment. Generally, the compounds of this invention are administered at a concentration level that affords the desired pharmacological effect without any deleterious side effects. These effective concentration levels are usually obtained with a therapeutic range of 0.1 to 50 mg. per kilo per day with a preferred range of O.5- mg. per kilo per day.

Some of the compounds of this invention, in particular the compounds of Formula VIII, may be regarded as being somewhat related to known compounds. However, they differ from these known compounds in the following significant manner: The compounds of Formula VIII in which R and R together represent ketonic oxygen possess an additional keto group in position which is not present in the known compounds; the compounds of Formula VIII in which R represents hydrogen and R represents the hydroxyl group or an esterified or etherified hydroxyl group have no known equivalents and are in no way related to known compounds.

The compounds of this invention are prepared by the following process. A furanmethanol of Formula III in which Z is as defined above is treated with an oxidizing agent such as, for example, an organic peracid or a hypohalous acid, or with an agent capable of furnishing the elements of a hypohalous acid in the presence of water, to yield the corresponding 6-hydroxy-2H-pyran-3(6H)- one derivative of Formula I in which the dotted line represents a double bond, R represents hydrogen, R represents the hydroxyl group, and Z is as defined above, as represented in greater detail by Formula IV.

The starting materials of Formula III may conveniently be prepared by treating a compound containing a reactive carbonyl function of the formula Z=O (II), in which Z is as defined above, with Z-furyllithium.

If desired, the 6-hydroxy-2-pyran-3(6H)-one derivatives of Formula IV obtained as described above may be further converted, as follows. Thus oxidation of said lastnamed compounds of Formula IV, for example with hexavalent chromium ion, yields the corresponding 2H- pyran-3,6-diones of Formula I in which R and R together represent a ketonic oxygen, the dotted line represents a double bond, and Z is as defined above, as shown in greater detail by Formula V. Optional reduction of said last-named compounds of Formula V, for example with zinc in acetic acid, reduces the double bond and yields the corresponding compounds of Formula I in which R and R together represent a ketonic oxygen, the double bond is absent, and Z is as defined above. Those compounds may be named as derivatives of dihydro-2H- pyran-3,6-dione and are shown in greater detail in Formula VI.

Alternatively, the compounds of Formula VI may also be obtained by hydrogenation of the compounds of Formula IV to effect selective reduction of the double bond, thus obtaining the corresponding compounds of Formula I in which the double bond is absent, R represents hydrogen, R represents the hydroxyl group, and Z is as defined above. Those compounds may be named as derivatives of 6-hydroxy-dihydro-2H-pyran-3-one and are shown in greater detail in Formula VII. Said last-named compounds of Formula VII may in turn be oxidized, for example with hexavalent chromium ion, to yield the corresponding compounds of Formula VI.

In the above compounds of Formulae IV and VII the hydroxyl group may subsequently be esterified or etherified.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that certain limitations are imposed on the above process by the nature of substituents R and R and that it may be necessary to protect temporarily reactive groups present in those substituents by reaction with protective groups, and to remove such protective groups at a later stage. Such precautionary measures are described in the literature, for example in Advances in Organic Chemistry, vol. 3, p. 191, New York and London 1963.

The following formulae in which Z is the significance defined above will illustrate the process of this invention in its most general form.

It. In.

on 1r /og o=o on o \OII l 0 0:0 no 0 o o /CE2 1r onz o=o on. o on2 l l l 0 =0 no 0 0:0

VI. VII.

In the preferred embodiment of this invention, the starting materials are esterone, equilenin and 7a,8-epoxyestrone and their corresponding 3-alkyl, 3-cycloalkyl or 3-tetrahydropyranyl ethers. The alkyl and cycloalkyl ethers are prepared according to the methods described by F. Glockling and D. Kingston, Chemistry and Industry, 1037 (1961) and the tetrahydropyranyl ethers are prepared according to the method of A. D. Cross et al., Steroids, 4, 423 (1964). 7u,8-epoxyestrone and its corresponding 3-ethers are readily prepared by treating equilin or the appropriate 3-ether of equilin, prepared by the methods of Glockling and Kingston or Cross at al., cited above, with a peracid preferably m-chloroperbenzoic acid in an inert solvent, preferably chloroform. Estrone, equilin and equilenin are well-known naturally occurring steroids; for example, see L. F. Fieser and M. Fieser, Steroids, Reinhold Publishing Corporation, New York, 1959.

The starting materials described above are treated with 2-furyllithium in a mixture of ether-toluene at room temperature to yield the corresponding 17a-[2-furyl]-17B- hydroxy steroids. During the course of this reaction, it is preferable to protect a free B-hydroxy group if present; otherwise, a complex is formed between the hydroxy group and the Z-furyllithiurn, which wastes the furyllithium and adversely affects the yield of the product. Such temporary protection is readily afforded by a tetrahydropyranyl group which may be conveniently removed by subjecting the reaction product to hydrolysis under mildly acidic conditions, for example, dilute hydrochloric acid in methanol. Other suitable methods for protecting a free 3-hydroxyl group are described in Advances in Organic Chemistry, cited above.

Z-furyllithium is prepared by the action of n-butyllithium upon Z-bromofuran in ether at room temperature. Alternatively, Z-furyllithium is also obtained by the action of n-butyllithium upon furan in ether at room temperature. In turn, 2-bromofuran is obtained by decarboxylation of S-bromo-Z-furoic acid by the method of A. F. Shepard et al. (I. Am. Chem. Soc., 52, p. 2083 (1930).

The above 170: [2'-furyl]-17/i-hydroxy steroids containing a free phenolic hydroxy group in position 3 prepared as described above, may be preferentially esterified at said position by conventional means with appropriate acid anhydrides or acid halides in pyridine at room temperature, to yield the corresponding 3-acyl derivatives. These 3-acyl derivatives are useful for preparing the corresponding B-acyl 17B-hydroxy-19,2l-dinorcholane derivatives of this invention.

The above 17w[2-furyl]-17/8-hydroxy steriods and their 3-acetates and 3-ethers are useful per se as powerful estrogens.

The above l7ot-[2-furyl]-l7fi-hydroxy steroids are treated with one to two molar equivalents of a hypohalous acid such as, hypobromous or hypochlorous acid or a reagent capable of furnishing the elements of a hypohalous acid upon contact with water. Preferred reagents for this reaction are certain N-haloimides or N-haloamides, such as, N-bromoor N-chlorosuccinimide, or N-chloroor N-bromoacetamide, used with or without small amounts of an acid, preferably perchloric acid; or the reaction may be carried out with an aqueous solution of an alkali metal salt of a hypohalite in contact with acid, such as, for example, sodium hypochlorite and acetic acid. Water must be present and preferred organic solvents include aliphatic and cyclic ethers, such as, for example, diethyl ether, dioxan or tetrahydrofuran; lower aliphatic ketones such as, for example, acetone or methyl ethyl ketone; aromatic hydrocarbons such as, for example, benzene, toluene, or xylene; lower aliphatic esters, such as, for example, the lower alkyl acetates, lower aliphatic carboxylic acids, such as, for example, acetic or butyric acid; lower aliphatic halogenated hydrocarbons such as, for example, chloroform, methylene chloride, or ethylene dichloride; and certain lower aliphatic alcohols such as, for example, methanol and t-butanol. The time of reaction may extend from three minutes to twentyfour hours, and reaction conditions are preferably chosen so as to complete the reaction within one-half hour. The temperature range at which the reactions may be carried out is from 50 C., with temperatures of about 2030 C. being the preferred range. It might be observed that when N-bromosuccinimide in aqueous methanol at room temperature is being used the oxidation is unusually rapid and is usually complete within five minutes.

Alternatively, the above 17a-[2-furyl]-17/3hydroxy steroids are treated with an organic peracid, such as, for example, peracetic acid, perbenzoic acid, monoperphthalic acid, m-chloroperbenzoic acid, and p-nitroperbenzoic acid. The organic peracid utilized may range in amount from approximately 1.1 molar equivalent to 100 molar equivalents, per mole of steroid starting material. Any practical solvent inert to the peracid may be employed. Aliphatic and cyclic ethers, such as, for example, diethyl ether, dioxan, or tetrahydrofuran; lower aliphatic ketones such as, for example, acetone or methyl ethyl ketone; aromatic hydrocarbons such as, for example, benzene, toluene, or xylene; lower aliphatic alcohols, such as, for example, methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, or t-butanol; lower aliphatic acids and their lower alkyl esters such as, for example, acetic acid, ethyl acetate, or butyl acetate; and halogenated hydrocarbons such as, for example, chloroform, methylene chloride, carbon tetachloride, or ethylene dichloride, are all useful inert solvents. The time of reaction may extend from minutes to 60 hours,

with the preferred range being from one-half to twentyfour hours.

In this manner, when starting with the 17a-[2'-furyl]- l7fi-hydroxy derivatives of estrone, equilenin, or 711,8- epoxy estrone, the corresponding 17,8hydroxy-19,21- dinorcholane derivatives of Formulae VIII, IX, and X in which R is as defined above, R represents hydrogen, LR represents the hydroxyl group, and the dotted line represents a double bond, are respectively obtained.

In a variant of the above procedure equilin, its corresponding 3-alkyl or 3-cycloalkyl ethers, or its S-tetrahydropyranyl ether, described above, are treated with Z-furyllithium in the same manner as described above to yield the corresponding 17a-[2'-furyl]-17fi-hydroxy derivatives. As noted above, it is desirable to protect a free 3-hydroxy group, if present, with a temporary protecting group such as a tetrahydropyranyl ether during the course of this reaction. Such protective groups may subsequently be removed and be replaced by 3-acyl groups in a conventional manner. Subsequent treatment of the 17m [2'-furyl]-l7 8-hydroxy derivatives of equilin with two equivalents or more of an organic peracid under the conditions described above, affords the compounds of Formula X in which R is as defined above, R represents hydrogen, R represents the hydroxyl group, and the dotted line represents a double bond, by simultaneous epoxidation of the 7,8-double bond and oxidation of the 17a-furyl ring.

The compounds of Formulae VIII, IX, and X in which R, R and R are as defined above may conveniently be referred to as derivatives of 1713,24-epoxy-19,21-dinorcholane. They are obtained as a mixture of steroisomeric alcohols due to the introduction of an asymmetric center at position 24. These stereoisomers may be separated by standard chemical procedures, such as crystallization or the mixture of stereoisomers may be utilized for the preparation of other 17 8-hydroxy-19,2l-dinorcholane derivatives Within the scope of this invention. The individual stereoisomers are designated as isomer A and isomer B for convenience. The designation of isomer A, is arbitrarily given to the major stereoisomer which usually constitutes 60-80% of the reaction product.

Treatment of the above 17B,24-epoxy-19,21-dinorcholane derivatives of Formulae VII, IX, and X in which the dotted line represents a double bond, R is as defined above, R is hydrogen, and R is the hydroxyl group with an appopriate acid anhydride or acid halide in pyridine affords the corresponding 24-acylated derivatives. If a free phenolic 3-hydroxy group is present it also will be acylated during the course of this reaction. On the other hand, if it is preferred to retain the free phenolic 3hydroxy group the 17,8,21-epoxy-19,21-dinorcholane derivatives referred to above may be treated with a mixture of the appropriate acid and acid anhydride or acid halide, for example, acetic acid-acetic anhydride (4:1), to yield the corresponding 3-hydroxy-24-acylated derivatives.

If mixtures of stereoisomers of the above 17,8,24-epoxy- 19,21-dinorcholane derivatives have been used for the preparation of the 24-acylated derivatives described above, then the acylated derivatives are obtained as mixtures of stereoisomers.

The mixture of 24-acylated stereoisomers may be separated by conventional chemical means, such as, crystallization, and are arbitrarily designated as isomer A (the major isomer) and isomer B (the minor isomer) for convenience.

Treatment of the above 17,8,24-epoxy-19,2l-dinorcholane derivatives of Formulae VIII, IX, and X in which the dotted line represents a double bond, R is defined above, R is hydrogen and R is the hydroxyl group, with an appropriate alkyl alcohol in the presence of an acid catalyst, such as, for example, perchloric acid, affords the corresponding 24-ethers.

The individual or mixture of stereoisomers of 17fl,24-

epoxy-19,21-dinorcholane derivatives of Formulae VIII, IX, and X in which the dotted line represents a double bond, R is as defined above, R is hydrogen and R is the hydroxy group, are readily oxidized by means of hexavalent chromium ion to the corresponding keto-lactones of Formulae VIII, IX, and X in which R and R 2 together represent a ketonic oxygen. Chromic acid in the presence of sulfuric acid and water, a modification described by A. Bowers et al., J. Chem. Soc., 2548 (1953) is a preferred reagent for this oxidation. During the courses of this reaction, if a tetrahydropyranyl group is present at the 3-position of the starting material, said group will be cleaved to the 3-hydroxy group; the 3-tetrahydropyranyl ether may be reformed by subjecting the reaction product to the conditions described by Cross, cited above.

The keto-lactones obtained as described above may be reduced in the presence of zinc and acetic acid to yield the corresponding keto-lactones of Formulae VIII, IX, and X in which the bond in position 22,23 is saturated, R is as defined above and R and R together represent a ketonic oxygen.

The individual or mixture of stereoisomers of the 175, 24-epoxy-19,2l-dinorcholane derivatives of Formulae VIII, IX, and X in which the dotted line represents a double bond, R is as defined above, R represent hydrogen, and R represents the hydroxyl group may be reduced by hydrogenation in the presence of a noble metal catalyst, such as, for example palladium, to yield the correspondingly substituted compounds of Formulae VIII, IX, and X in which the bond is position 22,23 is saturated.

If the above compounds possess a free hydroxyl group in position 24, they rnal be acylated or etherified in the manner as described above.

Finally, the individual or mixture of stereoisomers of the 17fl,24 epoxy 19,21-dinorcholane derivatives of Formulae VIII, IX, and X in which the bond at position 22,23 is saturated, R is as defined above, R is hydrogen, and R represents the hydroxy group are useful for an alternative preparation of the corresponding keto lactones. As such, these norcholane derivatives are oxidized in the same manner as described above to yield the said keto lactones of Formulae VIII, IX, and X in which the bond in position 22,23 is saturated, R is as defined above and R and R together represent a ketonic oxygen. These compounds are identical with the same compounds described above.

The following examples will illustrate this invention.

EXAMPLE 1 The 3-ethers of estrone, equilin and equilenin are pre pared by the method of Glockling and Kingston, de scribed in Chem. and Ind. 1037 (1961) by the action of the corresponding alkyl halides on the potassium or sodium salts of the phenol. Accordingly the 3-methyl, 3-ethyl, 3-propyl, 3-isopropyl, 3-n-butyl, 3-sec.-butyl, 3-cyclopentyl and 3-cyclohexyl ethers of estrone, equilin and equilenin are obtained.

The tetrahydropyranyl ethers of estrone, equilin and equilenin are prepared according to the method described.

by A. D. Cross et al., in Steroids. vol. 4, p. 423 (1964).

EXAMPLE 2 A solution of 2-bromofuran (2.32 g.) in dry ether (46 ml.) is cooled to C. An ethereal solution of nbutyllithium 1.35 N (11 ml.) is added. The mixture is allowed to reach room temperature and is stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes. A solution of estrone 3- methyl ether (2.32 g) in dry toluene (92 ml.) is added and the reaction mixture is stirred at room temperature for 60 hours. Water is added; the organic solvents are washed with water to neutrality, dried and evaporated yielding a yellow gum. The latter product is purified by chromatography on alumina. The fractions eluted with benzene-hexane 1:1 are combined and crystallized several times from hexane to yield the 3-methyl ether of 17tx-[2 furyl]-1,3,5(10)-estratriene-3,l7-diol, M.P. 1l7119.

Alternatively a solution of furan (50 g.), dry ether (1000 ml.) and a 1.53 N etheral solution of butyllithium (548 ml) is stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. Then a solution of estrone 3-methyl ether (50 g.) in dry toluene (2000 ml.) is added and the mixture is stirred overnight at room temperature. The reaction is worked as above and the residue is chromatographed on basic alumina. The fractions eluted with mixtures of benzene-hexane and benzene are combined and crystallized from benzenehexane yielding the 3-methy1 ether of 17ot-[2'-furyl]-1, 3,5(10)-estratiene-3,17-diol, M.P. 124-125".

In the same manner as described above, the 3-ethyl, 3- propyl, 3-isopropyl, 3-butyl, 3-sec.-butyl, 3-cyclopentyl and 3-cyclohexyl ethers of estrone, prepared in Example 1, yield when treated with 2-furyllithium the 3-ethyl, 3- propyl, 3-isopropyl, 3-n-butyl. 3-sec.-butyl, 3-cyclopentyl and 3-cyclohexyl ethers of 17ot-[2'-furyl]-1,3,5(10)-estratriene-3,17-diol.

A solution of furan (10 g.) in ether (200 ml.) and a 1.76 N ethereal solution of n-butylithium (86 ml.) is stirred for one hour at room temperature. Then a solu tion of equilin 3-methyl ether (10 g.) in toluene (400 ml.) is added and the mixture is stirred for 16 hours at room temperature. Water is added. The organic layer is further washed with water, dried and evaporated to dryness. The residue is chromatographed on basic alumina. The fractions, eluted with benzene-hexane 1:2, are combined, yielding the 3-mehtyl ether of 17a-[2-furyl]-1,3,5,(10), 7-esteratetraene-3 ,17-diol, M.P. 116-118.

In the same manner, the 3-ethyl, 3-propyl, 3-isopropyl, 3-n-butyl, 3-sec.-butyl, 3-cyclopentyl and 3-cyclohexyl ethers of equilin, described in Example 1 yield respectively the 3-ethyl, 3-propyl, 3-isopropyl, 3-n-butyl, 3-sec.- butyl, 3-cyclopentyl and 3-cyclohexyl ethers of 17m [2-furyl] -1,3 ,5 10) -estratetraene-3 ,17-diol.

Similarly the 3-methyl, 3-ethyl, 3-propyl, 3-isopropyl, 3-n-butyl, 3-sec.-butyl, 3-cyclopentyl and 3-cyclohexyl ethers of equilenin, described in Example 1, yield the 3-methyl, 3-ethyl, 3-propyl, 3-isopropyl, 3-n-butyl, 3-sec.- butyl, 3-cyclopentyl and 3-cyclohexyl ethers of 1700- [2.'-furyl]-1,3,5(10)estratetraene-3,17-diol.

EXAMPLE 4 A solution of furan (17.8 g.), dry ether (356 ml.) and an ethereal solution of n-butyllithium 1.49 N (168 ml.) is stirred at room temperature for one hour. A solution of estrone 3-tetrahydropyranyl ether (17.8 g.) in toluene (700 ml.) is added and the reaction mixture is stirred at room temperature for 16 hours. The product is isolated as indicated in Example 2 to yield the 3-tetrahydropyanyl ether of 17a-[2-furyl]-l,3,5(10)-estratriene-3,17-diol.

In a similar manner the 3-tetrahydropyranyl ethers of equilin and equilenin are treated with 2-furyllithium to give the corresponding 3-tetrahydropyranyl ethers of 170:- [2-furyl] 1,3,5(10)7 estratetraene 3,17-diol and 170:- [2-furyl]-1,3,5,6,8(9)-estrapentaene-3-17-diol.

EXAMPLE 5 A solution of the 3-tetrahydropyranyl ether of 170c- [2'-furyl]-1,3,5 10)-estratriene-3-17-diol, described in Example 4 (21.3 g.), methanol (850 ml.) and a 0.1 N solution of hydrochloric acid (213 ml.) is stirred at room temperature for one hour. Water (850 ml.) is added and the mixture is stirred for 2 hours. The resulting solid is filtered, washed with water and dried. Crystallization from ether-hexane yields 17ot[2-furyl]-1,5,5(10)-estratr1ene-3,17-diol M.P. 153-155.

In a similar manner the 3-tetrahydropyranyl ethers of 17a l 2-furyl l 1,3,5(10)7 estratetraene-3,l7-tliol and 171x [2'-furyl] 1,3,5,6,8(9) estrapentaene-3,l7-diol are hydrolyzed with dilute hydrochloric acid in methanol yielding respectively 17a-[2-fury1]-1,3,5(10)7-estratetraene-3,17diol and 17tx-[2-furyl] 1,3,5,6,8(9) estrapentaene-3,l7-diol.

EXAMPLE 6 A solution of 17a [2'-furyl]-1,3,5(10)-estratriene-3,17- diol (375 mg.) prepared in Example 5, pyridine (3.75 ml.) and acetic anhydride (3.75 ml.) is stirred for 16 hours at room temperature. The mixture is poured in ice water and is extracted with ether. The ether is washed with dilute sulfuric acid, bicarbonate and water. After drying and evaporating the solvent to dryness, the 3- acetate of 170: [2'-t'uryl] 1,3,5(10)-estratriene-3,17-diol is obtained.

In a similar manner acetylation of 17a-[2'-furyl]-1,3, 5(10),7-estratetraenc-3,17-diol and 17a [2-furyl} 1,3, 5,6,8(9)estrapentaene-3,17-diol yields the corresponding 3-acetates of 17a [2-furyl] 1,3,5(10,7 estratetraene- 3,17-diol and 17a [2-furyl-1,3,5,6,8(9)-estrapentaene- 3,17-diol.

Similarly acylation of 17a [2'-furyl]-1,3,S(10)-estratriene-3,17-diol, 17cc [2 fuyrl] 1,3,5()7-estratetraene-3,17-diol and 170: [2-furyl] 1,3,5,6,8(9)-estrapentaene-3,l7adiol with the appropriate acid anhydrides or acid halides yields the corresponding 3-acylates such as the 3-propanoates, 3-butanoates, 3-pentanoates, 3-hexanoates and 3-heptanoates, of 17a-[2-furyl]11,3,5(l0)- estratriene-3,17-diol, 17a [2-fury1] 1,3,5(10),7-estratetraene3,17-diol and 17cc [2'-fury1]-1,3,5,6,8(9)-estrapeutaene-3,17-diol, respectively.

EXAMPLE 7 m-Chloroperbenzoic acid (4.05 g.) is added by portions, over a period of 30 minutes to a stirred, ice-cold, solution of equilin 3-methyl ether (5 g.) in chloroform (125 ml.). The mixture is stirred for an additional 2 hours in the ice-bath and then for 30 minutes at room temperature. The solution is Washed with a 5% sodium carbonate solution and with water, dried and evaporated. The colour is removed from the crude crystalline product by filtration on a column of alumina. The fractions eluted with 1:1 benzene petrolamether are combined and crystallized from methanol to yield the 3-methyl ether of 7a,8-epoxyestrone M.P. 176-178 C.

By a similar procedure the 3-ethyl, 3-propyl, 3-isopropyl, 3-n-butyl, 3-sec.-butyl, 3-cyclopentyl and 3-cyclohexyl ethers of equilin are oxidized to the corresponding 7a,8-epoxy derivatives with m-chloroperbenzoic acid in chloroform solutions. In this manner, there are obtained the 3-ethyl, 3-propy1, 3-isopropy1, 3-n-butyl, 3-sec.-butyl, 3-cyclopentyl and 3-cyclohexyl ethers of 7a,8-exopyestrone.

EXAMPLE 8 m-Chloroperbenzoic acid (25.8 g.) is added by portions to a stirred, ice-cold suspension of equilin (25.0 g.), in chloroform (500 ml.). After 3 hours, the solution is Washed four times with a 5% sodium carbonate solution and with Water, dried and evaporated.

The dark red oil, dissolved in benzene (750 ml.), is stirred under nitrogen for 3 hours with dihydropyran (30 ml.), and p-toluenesulfonic acid (500 g.). Pyridine (0.5 ml.), is added and the solution is washed with water, dried and evaporated. The crude product is chomatoggraphed on Florisil. Elution with mixtures of benzene and ether yields the 3-tetrahydropyranyl ether of 7a,8-epoxyestrone.

EXAMPLE 9 A solution of furan (4.1 g.), ether (82 ml.), and a 1.52 N ethereal solution of n-butyllithium (37.2 ml.), is stirred at room temperature for one hour. Then a solution of the 3-methyl ether of 7a,8-epoxyestrone (4.1 g.), ob tained in Example 7, in toluene (164 ml.), is added and the mixture is stirred at room temperature for 16 hours.

Ether and water are added. The organic phase is further Washed with water, dried and evaporated to dryness, leaving a solid which up srystallization from methylene chloride ether yields the 3-methy1 ester of 7a,8-epoxy-17a- [2'-furyl]-1,3,5(10)-estratriene-3,17-dio1M.P. 188-190.

Similarly the 3-ethyl, 3-propyl, 3-isopropyl, 3-m-butyl, 3-sec.-butyl, 3-cyclopentyl, 3-cyclohexyl and 3-tetrahydropyranyl ethers of 7a,8-epoxyestrone are transformed when treated with Zfuryl-lithium to the 3-ethyl, 3-propyl, 3- isopropyl, 3-n'butyl, 3-sec.-butyl, 3-cyclopentyl-3-cyclohexyl and 3-tetrahydropyranyl ethers of 7a,8-epoxy-17a- [2'-furyl]-1,3,5(10)-estratriene-3,17-diol.

EXAMPLE 10 By a similar method to the one described in Example 5, the 3-tetrahydropyranyl ether of 70:,8 epoxy 17cc [2'- furyl]-1,3,5(10-estratriene-3,17-diol prepared in Example 9, is hydrolyzed with dilute hydrochloric acid in methanol yielding 70,8 epoxy-17w[2-fury1]-1,3,5(l0)-estratriene- 3,17-diol.

EXAMPLE l1 Acylation by the method of Example 6 of 7a,8-epoxy- 17a-[2'-furyl]-1,3,5(10)estratriene-2,17-diol, prepared in Example 10, yields the corresponding 3-acylates such as for example the B-acetate, 3-propanoate, B-butanoate, 3- pentanoate, 3-hexanoate and B-heptanoate of :,8-6POXY- 17a-[2-furyl]-1,3,5(10)-estratriene-3,17-diol.

EXAMPLE 12 A mixture of the 3-methyl ether of l7a-[2'-furyl]-l,3- 5,(10)-estratriene-3,17-diol (3.2 g.), described in Example 2, a 48% (M/V) solution of peracetic acid (3.2 ml.), sodium acetate (3.2 g.) and chloroform (32 ml.) is stirred at room temperature for 3 hours. The organic solution is washed with water and with a 50% solution of potassium iodide, until no iodine is formed. The solution is further washed with a solution of sodium thiosulfate and then Water, dried and evaporated. The residue is crystallized from nitro methane to yield the E -methyl ether of 3,24- dihydroxy 175,24 epoxy 19,21 dinorchola 1,3,5 (10),22-tetraen-20one as a mixture of isomers A and B M.P. 191-192 C.

Alternatively m-chloroperbenzoic acid (2.45 g.) is added to a solution of the 3-methyl ether of 17a-[2-furyl]- 1,3,5(10)-estratriene-3,17-diol (2 g.) in chloroform (20 ml.). The mixture is stirred for 30 minutes at room temperature. Ether is added and the solution is washed with sodium carbonate and water, dried and evaporated to dryness, yielding the 3-methyl ether of 3,24-dihydroxy- 17fl,24 epoxy-19,21 dinorchola-1,3,5(10),22 tetraen- 20-one as a mixture of isomers A and B.

Similarly oxidation as above, of the 3-methyl ether of 17a-[2-furyl]-1,3,5(10)-estratriene-3,17-diol With m-chloroperbenzoic acid but replacing chloroform with acetone, ether, dioxan, tetrahydrofuran, methanol, benzene, ethyl acetate and acetic acid and for periods of time ranging from 30 minutes to 20 hours affords the 3-methyl ether of 3,24 dihydroxy 175,24 epoxy 19,21 dinorchola 1,3,5(10),22-tetraen-20-one as a mixture of isomer A and B.

Again alternatively a mixture of the 3-methyl ether of 17a-[2-furyl]1,3,5(10)-estratriene 3,17 diol (1 g.), chloroform (50 ml.) and p-nitroperbenzoic acid (640 mg.) is stirred at room temperature for one hour. The solid is filtered and the filtrate is washed with sodium bicarbonate and water. After drying and evaporating the solvent, there is obtained a mixture of isomers A and B of the 3-methyl ether of 3,24-dihydroxy-17/i,24-epoxy-19,2l-dinorchola- 1,3,5 10),22-tetraen-20-one.

EXAMPLE 13 N-bromosuccinimide (1.08 g.) is added by portions to a suspension of the 3-rnethyl ether of 17a-[2 -furyl]-1,3,5 (10)-estratriene-3,l7-diol (2.16 g.) prepared in Example 2, in methanol (216 ml.) and water (21 ml.) The mixture is stirred for five minutes. Water is added; the mixture is extracted with ether and the ether solution is washed with water, dried and evaporated. The residue is chromatographed on silica gel and the fractions eluted with mixtures of ether and benzene 1:19 and 1:9 are combined and crystallized from methylene chloride-ether to yield the 3-methyl ether of 3,24-dihydroxy-17B,24-epoxy-19,2l-dinorchola-1,3,5(l),22-tetraen-20-one M.P. 180184 as a mixture. of isomers A and B.

In a similar manner, but replacing methanol by acetone dioxan, ether, tetrahydrofuran, benzene, ethyl acetate or acetic acid, the 3-methyl ether of 17u-[2'-furyl]-1,3,5, (10)-estratriene-3,17-diol is oxidized with N-bromosuccinimide in presence of water for approximately 30 minutes at room. temperature to afford the 3-methyl ether of 3,24 dihydroxy 175,24 epoxy 19,21 dinorchola 1,3,5(10),22-tetraen-20-one, as mixtures of isomers A and B.

EXAMPLE 14 A mixture of the 3-tetrahydropyranyl ether of l7oz[2' furyl]-1,3,5(10)-estratrieine-3,17-diol (114 g.), obtained in Example -4, chloroform (1140 ml.), sodium acetate (114 g.) and 40% solution of peracetic acid (114 ml.) is stirred at room temperature for 3 /2 hours. The solution is washed with water and sodium bicarbonate, dried and evaporated to dryness. The residue is crystallized from methanol (containing a trace of pyridine) to yield the 3-tetrahydropyranyl ether of 3,24-dihydroxy-17B,24- epoxy-19,2l-dinorchola-1,3,5(10),22-tetraen-20-one as a mixture of isomers A and B.

In a similar manner the 3-tetrahydropyranyl ethers of 17a [2 furyl] 1,3,5,6,8(9) estrapentaene 3,17-diol, obtained in Example 5 and 7cc,8 epoxy 17a [2-furyl]-1,3,5()-estratriene-3,17-diol, obtained in Example 9 are oxidized to yield the S-tetra-hydropyranyl ethers of 3,24 dihydroxy 1713,24 epoxy 19,21 dinorchola- 1,3,5,6,8(9),22-hexaene-20-one and 7a,8-17,B,24-diepoxy- 3,24 dihydroxy 19,21 dinorchola 1,3,5(10)-22-tetraene-ZO-one respectively as mixtures of isomers A and B.

EXAMPLE A mixture of the 3-tetrahydropyranyl ether of 3,24- hydroxy-17fl,24 epoxy-19,21 dinorchola 1,3,5(l0), 22-tetraen-20-one (mixtures of isomers A and B (35 g.), obtained in Example 14, methanol (1400 ml.) and a 0.1 N solution of hydrochloric acid (350 ml.) is stirred at room temperature for 2 hours. The methanol is evaporated under reduced pressure and the resulting solid is filtered yielding a mixture of isomers A and B of 3,24-dihydroxy-17,B,24 epoxy 19,21 dinorchola 1,3, 5(10),22-tetraen-20-one M.P. 234235 (dec.).

In a similar manner the 3-tetrahydropyranyl ethers of 3,24 dihydroxy 175,24 epoxy 19,21 dinorchola 1,3,5,6,8(9),22-hexaen-20-one and 7a,8-17B,24-diepoxy- 3,24 dihydroxy 19,21 dinorchola 1,3,5(10),22 tetraen-20one, obtained in Example 14, are hydrolyzed with mild acid to yield mixtures of isomers A and B of 3,24 dihydroxy 175,24 epoxy 19,21 dinorchola- 1,3,5,6,8(9),22 hexaen 20 one and 7a,8 17B,24- diepoxy 3,24 dihydroxy 19,21 dinorchola 3,5(10), 22-tetraen-20-one, respectively.

EXAMPLE 16 To a solution of the 3-cyclopentyl ether of Hot-[2'- furyl]-1,3,5(10)-estratriene-3,17-diol (55 g.), prepared in Example 2, in chloroform (700 ml.) is added over a period of 15 minutes a solution of m-chloroperbenzoic acid (40.0 g.) in chloroform (50 ml.). The solution is stirred at room temperature for 2 hours. The solution is washed with sodium bicarbonate, water and dried and evaporated. The residue is chromatographed on silica gel. The fractions eluted with benzene-ethyl acetate (19.5205) are combined and crystallized from acetone-hexane yielding the 3-cyclopentyl ether of 3,24-dihydroxy-17B,24- epoxy 19,21 dinorchola 1,3,5(10),22 tetraen 20 one, as a mixture of isomers A and B, M.P. 173174.

Similarly, oxidation of the 3-ethyl, 3-propyl, 3-isopropyl, 3-n-butyl, 3-sec.-butyl, 3-cyclohexyl ethers of 170:- [2-furyl]-1,3,5(l0)-estratriene-3,17-diol, described in Example 2, affords the 3-ethyl, 3-propyl, 3-isopropyl, 3-nbutyl, 3-sec.-butyl and 3-cyclohexyl ethers of 3,24-dihydroxy 176,2 4 epoxy 19,21 dinorchola 1,3,5(10), 22-tetraen-20-one as mixtures of isomers A and B.

Similarly, the 3-methyl, 3-ethyl, 3-propyl, 3-isopropyl, 3-n-butyl, 3-sec.-butyl-3-cyclohexyl and 3-cyclopentyl ethers of l7u-[2-furyl] 1,3,5,6,8(9) estrapentaene-17- diol, prepared in Example 3 are oxidized to yield the 3- methyl, 3-ethyl, 3-propyl, 3-isopropyl, 3-n-butyl, 3-sec.- butyl, 3-cyclopentyl and 3-cyclohexyl ethers of 3,24-dihydroxy 175,24 epoxy 19,21 dinorchola 1,3,5,6,8(9), 22-hexaen-20-one. All these compounds are obtained as mixtures of isomers A and B.

EXAMPLE 17 A mixture of the 3-methyl ether of 7a,8-epoxy-17a-[2'- furyl]-l,3,5(10)-estratriene-3,17-diol (53.5 g.), prepared in Example 9, chloroform (53.5 ml.), sodium acetate (53.5 g.) and a solution of peracetic acid (53.5 ml.) is stirred at room temperature for 6%. hours. The solution is washed with Water and then with a solution of potassium iodide until no iodine is developed. The solution is further washed with sodium thiosulfate and water, dried and evaporated. The residue is chromatographed on silica gel. The fractions eluted with mixtures of benzene-ethyl acetate 9:1 and 4:1 are combined to yield the 3-methyl ether of ,8-l7,B,24-diepoxy-3,24-dihydroxy-19,2 1-dinorchola-1,3,5( 10), 22-tetraen-20-one as mixture of isomers A and B. The pure isomer A is obtained by crystallizing the mixture with acetone-hexane M.P. 183-184".

In a similar manner the 3-ethyl, 3-propyl, 3-isopropyl, 3-n-butyl, 3-sec.-butyl, 3-cyclopenty1 and 3-cyclohexyl ethers of 7a,8-epoxy-17a-[furyl]-1,3,5(10)-estratriene-3, 17-diol, described in Example 9, are oxidized to yield the 3-ethyl, 3-propyl, 3-isopropyl, 3-n-butyl, 3-sec.-butyl, 3- cyclopentyl, 3-cyclohexyl ethers of 7a,8-17B,24-diepoxy- 3,24-dihydroxy-19.21-dinorchlola-1,3,5 10) ,22-tetraen-20- one. These compound are all obtained as mixtures of isomers A and B.

EXAMPLE 18 A mixture of the 3-methyl ether of 1,7a-[2'-furyl]-1,3, 5 (1'0),7-tetraene-3,17-diol (1.65 g.) obtained in Example 3, chloroform (33 ml.), sodium acetate (1.65 g.) and a 40% solution of peracetic aicd (3.3 ml.) is stirred at room temperature for five hours, while keeping the temperature between 0 and 5. The reaction is worked up as previously and the crude residue is crystallized from acetone-hexane yielding the 3-methyl ether of 7a,8-17/3,24- diepoxy-3,24-dihydroxy-19,2l-diniorchola 1,3,5(10),22- tetraen-ZO-one M.P. 180-181 C., as a mixture of isomers A and B.

In a similar manner oxidation of the 3-ethyl, 3-propyl, 3-isopropyl, 3-n-butyl, 3-sec.-buty1, 3-cyclopentyl, 3-cyclohexyl ethers of l7ot-[2-furyl]1,3,5(10),7-estratetraene- 3,17-dio1, obtained in Example 3, affords the 3-ethy1, 3- propyl, 3-isopropyl, 3-n-butyl, 3-sec.-butyl, 3-cyclopentyl, 3-cyclohexyl ethers of 7u,8-17fi,24-diepoxy-3,24-dihydroxy-19,21-dinorchola-1,3,5(10),22-tetraen-20-one. All these compounds are obtained as mixtures of isomers A and B.

By a similar procedure t-[2'-furyl]-1,3,5(10),7-estratetraene-3,17-diol and its 3-tetrahydropyranyl ether, respectively prepared in Examples 4 and 5 are oxidized to yield 7u,8-17B,24 diepoxy-3,24-dihydroxy-19,21dinorchola'1,3,5(10),22-tetraen-20-one and its 3-tetrahydr0- pyranyl ether, respectively, as mixtures of isomers A and B.

Similarly oxidation of the 3-acetate, 3-propanoate, 3- butanoate, 3-pentanoate, 3-hexanoate and 3-heptanoate of 170c-[2'f11I'Yl]-1,3,5(l0),7 estratetraene-3,17-diol yields the B-acetate, 3-propanoate, 3-butanoate, S-pentanoate, 3- hexanoate and 3-heptanoate of 7u,817fi,24-diepoxy3,24- dihydroxy-19,21-dinorchola 1,3,5 (10),22-tetraen-20-one, as mixtures of isomers A and B.

EXAMPLE 19 By the procedure described in Example 12, 17ot-[2 furyl]-1,3,5(10)-estratriene-3,17-diol, 17a-[2-furyl]-l,3,- 5,6,8(9)-estrapentaene-3,17-diol and 7a,8-epoxy-17u-[2- furyl]-1,3,5(10)-estratriene 3,17 diol, respectively described in Examples 5 and are oxidized to give mixtures of isomers A and B of 3,24-dihydroxy-17B,24-epoxy-19,21- dinorchola-l,3,5(10),22-tetraen-20-one, 3,24 dihydroxy- 17t3,24-epoxy-19,21 dinorchola 1,3,5,6,8(9),22-hexaen- 20-one and 7a,817fl,24-diepoxy-3,24-dihydroxy-19,21-dinorchola-n,3,5( 10) ,22-tetraen-20-one.

Similarly the 3-acetates, 3-propanoates, B-butanoates, 3-pentanoates, 3-hexanoates and 3-heptanoates of 17a[2'- furyl]1,3,5(l0)-estratriene-3,l7-diol, l7a-[2'-fury1]-1,3,5, 6,8(9)-estrapentaene-3,17-diol and 70,8 epoxy-17a-[2'- furyl]-1,3,5(10)-estratriene 3,17 diol respectively described in Examples 6 and 11, are transformed by oxidation to the I i-acetates, 3-propanoates, 3-butanoates, 3- pentanoates, 3-hexanoates and B-heptanoates of 3,24-dihydroxy-17fi,24-epoxy 19,21 dinorchola-1,3,5(10),22- tetraen-ZO-one, 3,24-dihydroxy-175,24-epoxy-19,21-dinerchola-1,3,5,6,8(9),22-hexaen-20-one and 7 x,8-17fl,24-diepoxy-3,24-dihydroxy 19,21-dinorchola 1,3,5(10),22- tetraen-ZO one, respectively. All these compounds are obtained as mixtures of isomers A and B.

EXAMPLE 20 A solution of the mixture of isomers A and B of the 3-methyl ether of 3,24-dihydroxy-175,24-epoxy-19,21-dinorchola-1,3,5(10),22-tetraen-20-one (10 g.), obtained in Example 12, pyridine (100 ml.) and acetic anhydride (100 ml.) is stirred at room temperature for one hour. The solution is poured in ice-Water and the resulting solid is filtered, Washed with Water and dried, yielding the 24- acetate of the 3-methyl ether of 3,24-dihydroxy-17/8,24- epoxy-19,21-dinorchola-1,3,5(10),22-tetraen-20-one as a mixture of isomers A and B. Crystallization of this mix ture with acetone-hexane affords pure isomer A MP. 171- 172 C. Further crystallization of the filtrates with acetone-ether yields pure isomer B M.P. 151-152 C.

EXAMPLE 21 A solution of the mixture of isomers A and B of the 3-cyclopentyl ether of 3,24-dihydroxy-17,8,24-epoxy-19,21- dinorchola-1,3,5 (10),22-tetraen-20-one (1 g.), obtained in Example 16, pyridine (1 0 ml.) and acetic anhydride (10 ml.) is stirred at room temperature for 50 minutes. The solution is diluted with ice-Water and extracted with ether. The ether is Washed with dilute sulfuric acid, sodium bicarbonate and Water, dried and evaporated yielding the 24-acetate of the 3-cyclopentyl ether of 3,24-dihydroxy- 17B,24-epoxy-19,21-dinorchola-1,3,5(10),22 tetraen-ZO- one, as a mixture of isomers A and B. Crystallization from acetone-methanol affords pure isomer A M.P. 162163 C.

In the same manner, acetylation of the mixtures of isomers A and B of the 3-ethyl, 3-propy1, 3-isopropy1, 3- n-butyl, 3-sec.-butyl, and 3-cyclohexy1 ethers of 3,24-dihydroxy-l7fi,24-epoxy 19,21 dinorchola 1,3,5 (11)),22- tetraen-ZO-one, obtained in Example 16, affords the 24- acetates of the 3-ethyl, 3-propyl, 3-isopropyl, 3-n-butyl, 3-sec.-butyl and 3-cyclohexyl ether of 3,24-dihydroxy-17B, 24-epoxy- 19,2 1 -dinorchola- 1 ,3,5( 10) ,22-tetraen-20-one, as mixtures of isomers A and B.

In a similar manner acylation with the appropriate acylating agents of the mixtures of isomers A and B of the 3-methyl, 3-ethyl, 3-propyl, 3-isopropyl, 3-n-butyl, 3-

sec.-butyl, 3-cyclopentyl and 3- cyclohexyl ethers of 3,24-

14 dihydroxy-l713,24-epoxy-19,21-dinorchola 1,3,5(l0),22- tetraen-ZO-one affords the corresponding 24-acylates such as the 24-propanoates, 24-butanoates, 24-pentanoates, 24- hexanoates and 24-heptanoates of the 3-methyl, 3-ethyl, 3- propyl, 3-isopropyl, 3-n-butyl, 3-sec.-butyl, 3-cyclopentyl, 3-cyclohexyl ethers of 3,24-dihydroxy-175,24-epoxy-19,21- dinorchola-1,3,5(10),22-tetraen-20'-one. All these compounds are obtained as mixtures of isomers A and B.

EXAMPLE 22 By the procedure of Example 20, acylation of the mixof isomers A and B of the 3-methy1, 3-ethyl, 3-propyl, 3-isopropyl, 3-n-butyl, 3-sec.-butyl, 3-cyclopentyl and 3- cyclohexyl ethers of 3,24-dihydroxy-17fi,24-epoxy-19,21- dinorchola-1,3,5,6,8(9),22-hexaen-20-one, described in Example 16, yields the corresponding 24-acylates such as the 24-acetates, 24-propanoates, 24-butanoates, 24-pentanoates, 24-hexanoates and 24-heptanoates of the 3-methyl, 3-ethyl, 3-propyl, 3-isopropyl, 3-n-butyl, 3-sec.-butyl, 3- cyclopentyl and 3-cyclohexyl ethers of 3,24-dihydroxy- 175,24-epoxy-19,21 dinorchola-1,3,5,6,8(9),22-hexaen- 20-one, as mixtures of isomers A and B.

Similarly the mixtures of isomers A and B of the 3-tetrahydropyranyl ethers of 3,24 dihydroxy 1718,24-epoxy- 19,21-dinorchola-1,3,5(10),22-tetraen-20-one, 3,24-dihydroxy-17fi,24-epoxy 19,21 dinorchola-1,3,5,6,8(9),22- hexaen-20-one and 711,8-17,8,24-diepoxy-3,24-dihydroxy- 19,21-dinorchola-1,3,5(10),22-tetraen-20-one, described in Example 14, are acylated to yield the 24-acetates, 24-propanoates, 24-butanoates, 24-pentanoates, 24-hexanoates, and 24-heptanoates of the 3-tetrahydropyranyl ethers of 3,24-dihydroxy-175,24-epoxy 19,21-dinorchola-1,3, 5(10),22-tetraen-2()-one, 3,24-dihydroxy-175,24-epoxy-19, 21-dinorcho1a-1,3,5,6,8(9),22-hexaen20-one and 70,8- 1713,24 diepoxy-3,24-dihydroxy 19,21 dinorchola-1,3, 5(l0),22-tetraen-20-one as mixtures of isomers A and B.

EXAMPLE 23 A solution of a mixture of isomers A and B of the S-methiyl ether of 7a,,8-175,24-diepoxy-3-24-dihydroxy- 19,21-dinorchola-1,3,5 l0),22-tetraen-20-one (16.5 g.) obtained in Example 17, pyridine ml.) and acetic anhydride (165 ml.) is stirred for one hour at room temperature. The mixture is poured on ice-water and is extracted with ether. The ether is Washed with dilute sulfuric acid, sodium bicarbonate and .water. After drying and evaporating the solvent, the residue is crystallized several times from acetone-hexane yielding the 24- acetate of the 3-methyl ether of 7a,817,B,24-diepoxy-3, 24-dihydroxy-19,21-dinorchola-1,3,5(10),22 tetraen-ZO- one as mixtures of isomers A and B, M.P. 182191 C.

Similarly a solution of pure isomer A of the 3-methy1 ether of 7a,8-175,24-diepoxy-3,24-dihydroxy-19,21dinorchola-1,3,5(10),22-tetraen-20-one (4 g.), obtained in Example 17, pyridine (40 ml.) and acetic anhydride (40 ml.) is stirred at room temperature for 45 minutes. The mixture is poured in ice-Water and the resulting solid is filtered, washed With water and dried. Crystallization of the solid with acetone-hexane and then methylene chloride-methanol affords pure isomer A of the 24-acetate of the 3-methyl ether of 7a,817/8,24diepoxy-3,24-dihydroxy-19,21-dinorchola-1,3,5(11)),22-tetraen-20-one M.P. 224-225 C.

In a similar manner acylation with other acylating agents of the mixture of isomers of the 3-methyl ether of 70,8-175,24-diepoxy-3,24-dihydroxy-19,21-dinorchola- 1,3,5(10),22-tetraen-20-one affords the corresponding 24- acylates, such as for example the 24-propanoate, 24-butanoate, 24-pentanoate, 24-hexanoate and 24-heptanoate of the 3methyl ether of 7a,8-17fi,24-diepoxy-3,24-dihydroxy-19,21-dinorchola 1,3,5(10),22-tetraen-20-one as mixtures of isomers A and B.

Similarly acylation of the mixtures of isomers A and B of the 3-ethyl, 3-propyl, 3-isopropyl, 3-n-buty1, 3-sec.-butyl, 3-cyclopentyl and 3-cyclohexyl ethers of 711,8475-24- 15 diepoxy-3,24-dihydroxy-19,21 dinorchola 1,3,5(10),22- tetraen-20-one, obtained in Example 18, affords the corresponding 24-acylates such as for example the 24-acetates, 24-propanoates, 24-butanoates, 24-pentanoates, 24- hexanoates and 24-heptanoates on the 3-ethyl, 3-propyl, 3-isopropyl, 3-n-butyl, 3-sec.-butyl, 3-cyclopentyl and 3- cyclohexyl ethers of 711,8-175,24-diepoxy-3,24-dihydroxy- 19,21-dinorchola-1,3,5(10),22-tetraen-20-one, as mixtures of isomers A and B.

EXAMPLE 24 A solution of a mixture of isomers A and B of 3,24- dihydroxy-175,24-epoxy-19,21-dinorchola 1,3,5(10),22- tetraen-ZO-one (13.5 g.) obtained in Example 15, pyridine (135 ml.) and acetic anhydride (135 ml.) is stirred at room temperature for 45 minutes. The solution is poured in ice-Water and the resulting solid is filtered, Washed with Water and dried yielding the 3,24-diacetate of 3,24-dihydroxy-175,24-epoxy 19,21-dinorchola-l,3, 5(10),22-tetraen-20-one as a mixture of isomers A and B. Crystallization of this mixture from methylene chloride-methanol yields pure isomer A, M.P. 187188.

In a similar manner acetylation of the mixtures of isomers A and B of 3,24-dihydroxy-175,24-e-poxy-19,21- dinorchola-1,3,5,6,8(9),22-hexaen-20-one and 7a,8-175, 24-diepoxy-3,24-dihydroxy19,21 dinorchola-1,3,5(10), 22-estratetraen-20-one, also described in Example 15, yields the 3,24-diacetates of 3,24-dihydroxy-175,24-epoxy- 19,21-dinorchola-1,3,5,6,8(9),22-hexaen-20-one and 70,8- 175,24 diepoxy-3,24-dihydroxy-19,21 dinorchola 1,3, 5(10),22-tetraen-20-one as mixtures of isomers A and B.

Similarly acylation with the appropriate acylating agents of mixtures of isomers A and B of 3,24-dihydroxy- 175,24-epoxy-19,2l-dinorchola-1,3,5(10),22 tetraen-ZO- one, 3,24-dihydroxy-175,24-epxy-19,21-dinorchola-1,3,5, 6,8(9),22-hexaen-20-one and 70:,8-175,24-diepoxy-3,24- dihydroxy-19,21 dinorchola-1,3,5(10),22-tetraen-20-one, affords the corresponding 3,24-diacylates such as for example the 3,24-dipropanoates, 3,24-dibutanoates, 3,24- dipentanoates, 3,24-dihexanoates and 3,24-diheptanoates of 3,24-dihydroxy 175,24 epoxy 19,21-dinorchola-1,3, ),22-tetraen-20-one, 3,24-dihydroxy-175,24-epoxy- 19, 21-dinorchola-1,3,5,6,8(9),22-hexaen-20-one and 7X,8- 175,24-diepoxy 3,24 dihydroxy-19,21-dinorchola-l,3, 5(10),22-tetraen-20-one, as mixtures of isomers A and B.

By a similar procedure, acylation of the mixtures of isomers A and B of the 3-acetates, 3-propanoates, 3-butanoates, 3-pentanoates, 3-hexanoates and 3-heptanoates of 3,24-dihydroxy-175,24-epoxy-19,21 dinorchola-1,3. 5(10),22-tetraen-20-one, 3,24 dihydroxy-175,24-epoxy- 19,21,-dinorchola-l,3,5,6,8(9),22-hexaen-20-one and 7a, 8-175,24-diepoxy-3,24-dihydroxy 19,21-dinorchola-1,3, 5(10),22-tetraen-20-one, described in Example 19 yields the corresponding symmetrical and mixed 3,24-diacylates such as for example the 3,24-diacetates; 3-acetate, 24-propanoates; 3-acetate, 24-butanoates; 3-acetate, 24-pentanoates; 3-acetate, 24-hexanoates; S-acetate, 24-heptanoates; 3-propanoate, 24-acetates; 3,24-dipropanoates; 3-propanoate, 24-butanoates; 3-propanoate, 24-pentanoates; 3-propanoate, 24 hexanoates; 3 propanoate, 24-heptanoates; 3-butanoate, 24-acetates; 3-butanoate, 24-propanoates; pentanoate, 24-butanoates; 3,24-dipentanoates; 3-pentanoate, 24-hexanoates; 3-butanoate, 24-heptanoates; 3-pentanoate, 24-acetates; 3-pentanoate, 24-propanoates; 3- pentanoate, 24-butanoates; 3,24-dipentanoate; 3-pentanoate, 24-hexanoates; 3-pentanoate, 24-heptanoates; 3-hexanoate, 24-acetates; 3-hexanoate, 24-propanoates; 3-hexanoate, 24-butanoates; 3-hexanoate, 24-pentanoates; 3,24- dihexanoates; 3-hexanoate, 24-heptanoates; 3-heptanoate, 24-acetates; 3-heptanoate, 24-propanoates; 3-heptanoate, 24-butanoates; 3-heptanoate, 24-pentanoates; S-heptanoate, 24 hexanoates and 3,24-diheptanoates of 3,24-dihydroxy 175,24 epoxy-19,21-dinorchola 1,3,5(10),22- tetraen-ZO-one, 3,24-dihydroxy-175,24-epoxy-l9,21-dinorchola-1,3,5,6,8(9),22-hexaen-20-one and 70,8l75,24-li epoxy-3,24-dihydroxy 19,21 dinorchola-l,3,5(l0),22- tetraen-ZO-one. All these compounds are obtained as mixtures of isomers A and B.

EXAMPLE 25 A solution of the mixture of isomers A and B of 3,24- dihydroxy-175,24-epoxy 19,21 dinorch0la-1,3,5(10),22- tetraen-ZO one (1 g.), described in Example 15, acetic acid (15 ml.) and acetic anhydride (4 ml.) is refluxed for 10 minutes. The cooled solution is poured on sodium bicarbonate. The resulting solid is filtered, Washed with Water and dried. This solid is chromatographed. Fractions eluted with benzene-ethyl acetate 19:1 are combined and crystallized from acetone-hexane yielding a mixture of isomers A and B of the 24 acetate of 3,24-dihydroxy-175,24-epoxy 19,21 dinorchola-1,3,5(10),22- tetraen-ZO-one, M.P. 221223 (dec.).

In a similar manner acylation with other acylating agents of the mixture of isomers A and B of 3,24-dihydroxy 175,24 epoxy 19,21 dinorchola-l,3,5(10),22- tetraen-20-one affords the corresponding 24-acylates such as the 24 propanoate, 24 butanoate, 24 pentanoate, 24-hexanoate and 24 -heptanoate of 3,24-dihydroxy- 175,24-epoxy 19,21 dinorchola-1,3,5 lO),22-tetraen-20- one as mixtures of isomers A and B.

By similar procedure the mixtures of isomers A and B of 3,24 dihydroxy 175,24 epoxy 19,21 dinorchola- 1,3,5,6,8(9),22-hexaen-20-one and 7a,8-175,24-diepoxy- 3,24-dihydroxy 19,21 dinorchola-1,3,5(l0),22-tetraen- 20-one, described in Example 15, are acylated to afford the 24-acetates, 24-propanoates, 24-butanoates, 24-pentanoates, 24-hexanoates, 24-hept'anoates of 3,24-dihydroxy- 175,24-epoxy 19,21 dinorchola-1,3,5,6,8(9),22-hexaen- 20-one and 70,8-175,24-diepoxy-3,24-dihydroxy-19,21-dinorchola-1,3,5(10),22-tetraen-20-one as mixtures of isomers A and B.

EXAMPLE 26 A suspension of the mixture of isomers A and B of the 3-methyl ether of 3,24-dihydroxy-175,24-epoxy-19,21- dinorchola-l,3,5(10),22-tetraen-20-one (5.0 g.), obtained in Example 12, methanol (250 ml.) and a 70% solution of perchloric acid (5 ml.) is stirred at room temperature for 20 minutes. The solid is filtered and washed with methanol. Further crystallization with methylene chloridemethanol yields the 3,24-dimethy1 ether of 3,24-dihydroxyl75,24-epoxy 19,21 dinorchola-l,3,5(10),22-tetraen-20 one, as a mixture of isomers A and B, M.P. l176 C.

Similarly the mixtures of isomers A and B of the 3-ethyl, 3-propyl, 3-isopropyl, 3-n-butyl, 3-sec.-butyl, 3-cyclopentyl, 3-cyclohexyl ethers of 3,24-dihydroxy- 175,24-epoxy 19,21 dinorchola-1,3,5(10),22-tetraen-20- one, described in Example 16 are converted into the corresponding 24-methyl ethers upon treatment with methanol and perchloric acid. In this manner there are obtained as mixtures of isomers A and B the 3-ethyl, 24-methyl; 3-propyl, 24-methyl; 3-is0propyl, 24-methyl; 3-n-butyl, 24-methyl; 3-sec.-butyl, 24-methyl; 3-cyclopentyl, 24-methyl and 3-cyclohexyl, 24-methyl diethers of 3,24-dihydroxy 175,24 epoxy 19,21 dinorchola- 1,3,5(10),22-tetraen-20-one.

In a similar manner etherification with other alcohols of the mixtures of isomers A and B of the 3-methyl, 3-ethyl, 3-propyl, 3-isopropyl, 3-n-butyl, 3-sec.-butyl, 3-cyclopentyl, 3-cyclohexyl ethers of 3,24-dihydroxy- 175,24 epoxy-19,21-dinorchola-1,3,5( 10) ,22-tetraen-20- one affords the corresponding 3,24-diethers such as for example the 3-methyl, 24-ethyl; 3-methyl, 24-propyl; 3-methyl, 24-isopr0pyl; 3-methyl, 24-n-butyl; 3-methyl, 24sec.-butyl; 3-methyl, 24-cyclopentyl; 3-methyl, 24-cyclohexyl; 3,24-diethyl; 3-ethyl, 24-propyl; 3-ethyl, 24-isopropyl; 3-ethyl, 24-n-butyl; 3-ethyl, 24-sec.-butyl; 3-ethyl, 24-cyclopentyl; 3-ethyl, 24-cyclohexyl; 3-propyl, 24-ethyl; 3,24-dipropyl; 3-propyl, 24-isopropyl; 3-propyl, 24-nbutyl; 3-propyl, 24-sec.-butyl; 3-propyl, 24-cyclopentyl; 3-propyl, 24-cycl0hexyl; 3-isopropyl, 24-ethyl; 3-isopropyl,

epoxy-3,24 dihydroxy 19,21 dinorcho1a-1,3,5(10),22- tetraen-20-one, are treated by dihydropyran in the presence of p-toluene-sulfonic acid in benzene solutions, according to the method of A. .D. Cross described in Steroid, vol. 4, p. 423 (1964), to yield the 3-tetrahydropyranyl,24- methyl; 3-tetrahydropyranyl,24-ethyl, B-tetrahydropyranyl, 24-propyl; 3-tetrahydropyranyl,24-isopropyl; 3-tetrahydropyranyl, 24-n-butyl; 3-tetrahydropyranyl,24-sec-butyl; B-tetrahydropyranyl,24-cyclopentyl; 3-tetrahydropyranyl, 24-cyclohexyl diethers of 3,24-dihydroxy-1718,24 epoxy- 19-21-dinorchola 1,3,5 10),22-tetraen-20-one, 3,24-di hydroxy-173,24 epoxy-19,21 dinorchola 1,3,5,6,8(9),- 22-hexaen-20-one and 7a,8 l7fl,24-diepoxy 3,24 dihydroxy 19,2l-dinorchola-1,3,5(l),22-tetraen-20-one, as mixtures of isomers A and B.

EXAMPLE 30 To a solution of the mixtures of isomers A and B of the 3-tetrahydropyranyl ether of 3,24-dihydroxy 1718,24- epoxy-19,21-dinorchola-1,3,5(10),22 tetraen-20-one (62 g.), described in Example 14, in acetone (2500 ml.) is added at 10 a 8 N chromic acid solution (81 ml.). After stirring for 20 minutes at 10 the excess oxidant is destroyed by the addition of isopropanol. Water is added and most of the solvent is evaporated under reduced pressure. The resulting solid is filtered, washed with water and dried. This solid is purified by chromatography on silica gel. The fractions eluted with mixtures of benzene-ethyl acetate (19:1 and 9:1) are combined yielding 3,175 dihydroxy 20-oxo-19,21-dinorchola 1,3,5- (10),22-tetraenoic acid e-lactone M.P. 278-280 C.

In a similar manner oxidation of the mixtures of iso mers A and B of the 3-tetrahydropyranyl ethers of 3,24- dihydroxy-17fl,24-epoxy-19,21 dinorchola 1,3,5,6,8(9), 22-hexaen 2O one and 70,8-175,24-diepoxy-3,24-dihydroxy 19,21-dinorchola 1,3,5(10),22 tetraen 20-one yields respectively 3,17(3-dihydroxy-20-oxo-19,21-dinorchola-l,3,5,6,8(9),22-hexaenoic acid 5-lactone and 3,175- dihydroxy-7a,8-ep0xy-20-oxo-19,21 dinorchola 1,3,5- (),22-tetraenoic acid fi-lactone.

EXAMPLE 31 To a solution of the mixture of isomers A and B of the 3-methyl ether of 3,24-dihydroxy-17,8,24-epoxy-19,2l-dinorchola-1,3,5(10),22-tetraen-20-one (20 g.) obtained in Example 12, in purified acetone (1000 ml.) is added a 8 N chromic acid solution (26.4 ml.). The temperature of the solution is kept at 10 during the addition of the oxidant. After stirring for an additional 10 minutes, isopropanol is added, followed by water. The acetone is evaporated and the solid residue is filtered, washed with water and dried. This solid is crystallized from methylene chloride methanol, yielding the 3-methyl ether of 3,173- dihydroxy-20-oxo-19,21-dinorchola-1,3,5(10) 22 tetraenoic acid B-lactone M.P. 206207 C.

In a smilar manner the mixture of isomers A and B of the 3-ethyl, 3-propyl, 3-isopropyl, 3 n butyl, 3-sec.- butyl and 3-cyclohexyl ethers of 3,24-dihydroxy-17fi,24- epoxy-19,2l-dinorch0la-l,3,5(10),22-tetraen-20 one, described in Example 16, are oxidized to yield respectively the 3-ethyl, 3-propyl, 3-isopropyl, 3-n-butyl, 3-sec.-butyl and 3-cyclohexyl ethers of 3,17B-dihydroxy-20-ox0-19,21- dinorchola-1,3,5 10) ,22-tetraenoic acid B-lactone.

Similarly the mixtures of isomers A and B of the S-methyl, 3-ethyl, 3-pr0pyl, 3-isopropyl, 3-n-butyl, 3-sec.- butyl, 3-cyclopentyl and 3-cyclohexyl ethers of 3,24-dihydroxy-1713,24-epoxy-l9,21 dinorchola-1,3,5,6,8(9),22- hexaen 20 one are oxidized to yield respectively the 3-methyl, 3-ethyl, 3-propyl, 3-isopropyl, 3-n-butyl, 3-sec.- butyl, 3-cyclopentyl and 3-cyclohexyl ethers of 3,17B-dihydroxy-20-oxo-19,2l-dinorchola l,3,5,6,8(9),22-hexaenoic acid a-lactone, respectively.

EXAMPLE 32 To a solution of the mixture of isomers A and B of the 3-cyclopentyl ether of 3,24-dihydroxy-1713,24-ep0xy- 19,2l-dinorchola-1,3,5(10),22-tetraen 20-one (4.25 g.), described in Example 16, in acetone (210 ml.) is added at 10 a 8 N chromic acid solution (5.6 ml). The mixture is stirred for 10 minutes, then the excess oxidant is decomposed by the addition of isopropanol. The acetone is evaporated and the residue is diluted with water. The resulting solid is filtered, washed with water and dried. Crystallization of this solid from methylene chloride-methanol affords the 3-cyclopentyl ether of 3,17 6-dihydroxy- 20-oxo-19,21-dinorchola 1,3,5 (l0),22 tetraenoic acid E-lactone M.P. 230-232 C.

EXAMPLE 33 A solution of 3,176 dihydroxy-20-oxo-19,21 dinorchola-1,3,5(10),22-tetraenoic acid 6-lactone (8.5 g.) described in Example 30, pyridine ml.) and acetic anhydride (85 ml.) is stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes. The solution is poured into ice-water and the resulting solid is filtered, washed with water and dried. The solid is chromatographed on silica gel. The fractions eluted with benzene-ethyl acetate (19:1) are combined and crystallized from acetone-hexane yielding the 3-acetate of 3,17fl-dihydroxy-20-oxo-19,21-dinorchola 1,3,5(10), 22-tetraenoic acid fi-lactone M.P. 191192 C.

In a similar manner but replacing acetic anhydride by other acylating agents, 3,17B-dihydroxy-20-oxo-19,21-dinorchola-1,3,5(10),22-tetraenoic acid fi-lactone is esterified to yield the 3-propanoate, 3-butanoate, B-pentanoate, 3-hexanoate and 3-heptanoate of 3,17B-dihydroxy-20-oxo- 19,21-dinorchola, 1,3,5(l0),22-tetraenoic acid fi-lactone.

By a similar procedure acylation of 3,17f3-dihydroxy- 20-oxo-l9,2l-dinorchola-1,3,5,6,8(9),22 hexaenoic acid and 3,17/3-dihydroxy-7a,8 epoxy 20 oxo 19,21-dinorchola 1,3,5(10),22 tetraenoic acid 6 lactone, described in Example 30, affords the corresponding 3-acylates such as for example the 3-acetates, 3-propionates, 3-butanoates, 3-pentanoates, 3-hexanoates, 3-heptanoates of 3,175 dihydroxy-ZO-oxo-19,21-dinorchola 1,3,5,6,8 (9),22-hexaenoic acid fi-lactone and 3,17B-dihydroxy-7a, 8-epoxy-20-oxo-19,21-dinorchola-1,3,5(10),22 tetraenoic acid fi-lactone.

EXAMPLE 34 To a solution of the mixture of isomers A and B of the 3-methyl ether of 7a,8-17/3,24-diepoxy-3,24 dihydroxy- 19,21-dinorchola-1,3,5(10),22 tetraen 2O one (22.1 g.), described in Example 17, in acetone (490 ml.) is added at 10 a 8 N chromic acid solution (28.5 ml.). After stirring for an additional 30 minutes, the excess oxidant is destroyed with isopropanol. Water is added and the solvent is evaporated under reduced pressure. The resulting solid is filtered, washed with water and dried. This solid is chromatographed on silica gel. The fractions eluted with a mixture of 19:1 benzene-ethyl acetate are combined and crystallized from methylene chloridemethanol yielding the 3-methyl ether of 3,17B-dihydroxy- 7a,8-epoxy-20-oxo-19,2l-dinorchola 1,3,5 10),22 tetraenoic acid filactone M.P. 227-230 C.

In a similar manner, oxidation of the mixtures of isomers of the 3-ethyl, 3-propyl, 3-isopropyl, 3-n-butyl, 3-sec.-butyl, 3-cyclopentyl, 3-cyclohexyl ethers of 7u,8- 17fl,24-diepoxy-3,24-dihydroxy-l9,2l dinorchola 1,3,5 (10),22-tetraen 2O one yields the corresponding ketolactones such as the 3-ethyl, 3-propyl, 3-isopropy1, 3-nbutyl, 3-sec.-butyl, 3-cyclopenty1, 3-cyclohexyl ethers of 3,17,8-dihydr0xy-7a,8-epoxy-20 oxo 19,21 dinorchola- 1,3,5 (10),22-tetraenoic acid a-lactone.

EXAMPLE 35 By a procedure similar to the one described by A. D. Cross et al., in Steroids, vol. 4, p. 423 (1964), 3,17,8-dihydroxy 20 oxo 19,21 dinorchola l,3,5(10),22-

21 tetraenoic acid 6-lactone, 3,17B-dihydroxy 20 oxo 19, 21-dinorchola 1,3,5,6,8(9),22 hexaenoic acid fi-lactone and 3,17B-dihydroxy 7a,8 epoxy 20 oxo 19,21- dinorchola 1,3,5(10),22 tetraenoic acid fi-lactone, described in Example 30, are treated with dihydropyran in benzene solutions and in presence of p-toluenesulfonic acid to yield the corresponding 3-tetrahydropyranyl ethers of 3,17,8-dihydroxy 20 oxo 19,21 dinorchola 1,3,5 (10),22 tetraenoic acid B-lactone, 3,175 dihydroxy-20- oxo 19,21 dinorchola 1,3,5,6,8(9),22 hexaenoic acid a-lactone and 3,1713 dihydroxy 704,8 epoxy 20 oxo- 19,2l-dinorchola -1,3,5(10),22-tetraenoic acid E-lactone.

EXAMPLE 36 To a suspension of prehydrogenated 10% palladium on calcium carbonate (625 mg.) in a little dioxan is added a solution of the mixture of isomers A and B of the 3- methyl ether of 3,24-dihydrxy-175,24-epoxy-19,21-dinorchola-1,3,5(10),22-tetraen-20-one (2.5 g.), described in Example 12, in dioxan (100 ml.). The mixture is hydrogenated for 35 minutes at room temperature and at normal pressure. The catalyst is filtered and washed with dioxan. The filtrate is evaporated to dryness. The residue is purified by precipitation from acetone-hexane yielding amorphorus B-methyl ether of 3,24-dihydroxy-17;8,24- epoxy-19,21-dinorchola-1,3,5(10)-trien-20-one, as a mixture of isomers A and B.

Similarly, hydrogenation of the mixtures of isomers A and B of the 3-ethyl, 3-propyl, 3-isopropyl, 3-n-butyl, 3- sec.-butyl, 3-cyclopentyl and 3-cycl0hexyl ethers of 3,24- dihydroxy 1713,24-epoxy 19,21-dinorchola 1,3,5(10-), 22-tetraen-20-one, prepared in Example 16, aflfords the 3- ethyl, 3-propyl, 3-isopropyl, 3-n-butyl, 3-sec.-butyl, 3- cyclopentyl, 3-cyclohexyl ethers of 3,24-dihydroxy-17B, 24-epoxy-19,21-dinorchola-1,3,5(10)-trien-20-one, as mixtures of isomers A and B.

In a similar manner the mixtures of isomers A and B of 3-methyl, 3-ethyl, 3-propyl, 3-isopropyl, 3-n-butyl, 3- sec.-'butyl, 3-cyclopentyl, 3-cyclohexyl ethers of 3,24-dihydroxy 1713,24 epoxy 19,21-dinorchola-1,3,5,6,8(9),

. 22-hexaen-20-one, obtained in Example 16, are hydrogenated to yield the 3-methyl, 3-ethyl, 3-propyl, 3-is0- propyl, 3n-butyl, 3-sec.-butyl, 3-cyclopentyl, 3-cyclohexyl, ethers of 3,24-dihydroxy-l7,8,24-epoxy-19,21-dinorchola- 1,3,5,6,8(9)-pentaen 20 one, as mixtures of isomers A and B.

By a similar procedure, hydrogenation of the mixtures of isomers A and B of the 3-methyl, 3-ethyl, 3-propyl, 3- isopropyl, 3-n-butyl, 3-sec.-butyl, 3-cyc1openty1, 3-cyclohexyl ethers of 7a,8-17,/8,24-diepoxy 3,24 dihydroxy-19, 21-dinorc-hola-1,3,5 (10) ,22-tetraen-20-one, obtained in Example 17, affords the 3-methyl, 3-ethyl, 3-propyl, 3- isopropyl, 3-n-butyl, 3-sec.-butyl, 3-cyclopentyl, 3-cyclohexyl ethers of 704,8-17,8,24-diepoxy-3,24-dihydroxy-l9, 21-dinorchola-1,3,5(10)-trien-20-one, as mixtures of isomers A and B. Similarly hydrogenation of the mixtures of isomers A and B of the 3tetrahydropyranyl ethers of 3,24-dihydroxy- 17/3,24-epoxy-19,21-dinorchola-1,3,5(10),22 tetraen 20- one, 3,24 dihydroxy-l7ot,24epoxy-19,21-dinorchola-1,3- 5,6,8(9),22-hexaen-20-one and 7a,8-175,24-diepoxy-3, 24-dihydroxy-19,21-dinorchola-1,3,5(10),22-tetraen 20- one, described in Example 14, yields the 3-tetrahydropyranyl ethers of 3,24-dihydroxy-17 8,24-epoxy-19,21-di norchola-1,3,5 10) -1Iien-20-0ne, 3,24-dihydr0xy-l7fi,24- epoxy-19,21-dinorchola-l,3,5,6,8(9)-pentaen-20'one and 7a,8-l7B,24-diepoxy-3,24-dihydroxy-19,21-dinorchola-1,3, (10)-tr-ien-20-one, respectively as mixtures of isomers A and B.

In a similar manner the mixtures of isomers A and B of 3,24 dihydroxy-17p,24-epoxy-19,21-dinorchola-1,3,5 ,22-tetraen-20-one, 3,24-dihydroxy-175,24-epoxy-19, 21-dinorchola-1,3,5,6,8(9),22-hexaen-20 one and 707,8- 17/i,24-diepoxy-3,24-dihydroxy-19,21 dinorchola 1,3,5 (10),22-tetraen-20-one, obtained in Example 15, are hy- 22 drogenated to yield mixtures of isomers A and B of 3, 24-dihydroxy-17fl,24-epoxy-19,2l-dinorchola 1,3,5(10)- trien-20-one, 3,24-dihydroxy-l7,6,24-epoxy-19,2l-dinorchola-1,3,5,6,8(9)-pentaen-20-one and 7ot,8-17,8,24-diepoxy-3,24-dihydroxy-19,21-dinorc:hola-1,3,5(10) trien- 20-one.

By a similar procedure, hydrogenation of the mixtures of isomers A and B of the S-acetates, 3-propanoates, 3-butanoates, 3-pentanoates, 3hexanoates, and B-heptanoates, of 3 ,24-dihydroxy-175,24-epoxy- 19,21-dinorchola-1,3 ,5 l0) 22-tetraen-20-one, 3,24-dihydroxy-17fl,24-epoxy-19,21-dinorchola-l,3,5,6,8 (9),22 hexaen-20-one and 7a,8-17B,24- diepoxy-3,24-dihydroxy-19,2 l-dinorchola 1,3,5 10) ,22- tetraen-20-one, described in Example 19, affords the 3- acetates, 3-propanoates, 3-bu-tanoates, 3-pentanoates, 3- hexanoates and 3-heptanoates of 3,24-dihydroxy-l7fl,24- epoxy-19,21-dinorchola-1,3,5 10)-1rien-20-one, 3,24-dihydroxy-17;8,24-epoxy 19,21-dinorchola 1,3,5,6,8(9)- pentaen-ZO-one and 7a,8-175,24-diepoxy-3,24-dihydroxyl9,21-dinorchola-1,3,5(10)-trien-20-one. Those compounds are all obtained as mixtures of isomers A and B.

EXAMPLE 37 To a suspension of prehydrogenated 10% palladium on calcium carbonate mg.) in a small volume of dioxan, is added a solution of pure isomer A Of the 24-acetate of the 3-methyl ether of 3,24-dihydroxy-17B,24-ep0xy-19,2ldinorchola-1,3,5 (10),22-tetraen-20-one (200 mg.), described in Example 20, in dioxan (8 ml.). The mixture is hydrogenated for 5 minutes. The catalyst is filtered, washed with dioxan. The filtrate is evaporated to dryness to yield pure isomer A of the 24-acetate of the 3-methyl ether of 3,24 dihydroxy17;8,24 epoxy-19,21-dinorchola-1,3,5- (10) -trien-20-one.

Alternatively in a similar manner, hydrogenation of the mixtures of isomers A and B of the 24-acetate of the 3- methyl ether of 3,24-dihydroxy 17[3,24 epoxy-19,21-dinorchola-1,3,5(10),22-tetraen-20-one, described in Example 20, affords the 24-acetate of the 3-methyl ether of 3,24- dihydroxy-17 8,24-epoxy 19,21 dinorchola 1,3,5(10)- trien-20-one, as mixtures of isomers A and B.

Similarly, hydrogenation of the mixtures of isomers A and B of the 24-acetates of the 3-ethyl, 3-propyl, 3-isopropyl, 3-n-butyl, 3-sec.-butyl, 3-cyclopentyl, 3-cyclohexyl ethers of 3,24-dihydroxy-17B,24-epoxy-19,2l-dinorchola 1,3,5(10),22-tetraen-20-one, obtained in Example 21, affords the 24-acetates of the 3-ethyl, 3-propyl, 3-isopropyl, 3-n-butyl, 3-sec.-butyl, 3-cyclopentyl, 3-cyclohexyl ethers of 3,24-dihydroxy 17,8,24 epoxy-19,21-dinorchola-1,3,5 (10)-trien-20-one, as mixtures of isomers A and B.

By a similar procedure, the mixtures of isomers A and B of the 24 propanoates, 24-butanoates, 24-pentaneates, 24-hexanoates and 24-heptanoates of the 3-methyl, 3-ethyl, 3-propyl, 3-isopropyl, 3-n-butyl, 3-sec.-butyl, 3-cyclopentyl, 3-cyclohexyl ethers of 3,24-dihydroxy-17B,24- epoxy-19,21-dinorchola-1,3,5(10),22 tetraen-ZO-one, described in Example 21, are hydrogenated to yield the 24- propanoates, 24 butanoates, 24 pentanoates, 24-hexanoates, 24-heptanoates of the B-methyl, 3-ethyl, 3 propyl, 3-isopropyl, 3-n-butyl, 3-sec.-butyl, 3-cyclopentyl, 3-cyclohexyl ethers of 3,24-dihydroxy-17,8,24-epoxy-19,21-dinorchola-1,3,5(10)trien-20one as mixtures of isomers A and B.

Similarly hydrogenation of the mixtures of isomers A and B of the 24-acetates, 24-propanoates, 24-butanoates, 24-pentanoates, 24-hexanoates, 24-heptanoates of the 3- mehtyl, 3-ethyl, 3-propyl, 3-isopropyl, 3-n-butyl, 3-sec.- butyl, 3-cyclopentyl, 3-cyclohexyl ethers of 3,24-dihydroxy-17,8,24-epoxy-19,21-dinorchola 1,3,5,6,8(9),22- hexaen-ZO-One, obtained in Example 22, gives the 24-acetates, 24-propanoa-tes, 24-butanoates, 24-pentanoates, 24-hexanoates and 24-heptanoates of the 3-methyl, 3-ethyl, 3 propyl, 3-isopropyl, 3-n-butyl, 3-sec.-butyl, 3-cyclopentyl, 3-cyclohexyl ethers of 3,24-dihydroxy-17/3,

23 24-epoxy-19,21-dinorchola-1,3,5,6,8(9)-pentaen-20 one, as mixtures of isomers A and B.

Similarly the mixtures of isomers A and B of the 24- acetates, 24-propanoates, 24-butanoates, 24-pentanoates, 24-hexanoates, 24-heptanoates of the 3-tetrahydropyranyl ethers of 3,24 dihydroxy 175,24 epoxy 19,21- dinorchola 1,3,5(10),22 tetraen 20 one, 3,24-dihydroxy 175,24 epoxy 19, 21 dinorchola-1,3,5,6,8 (9),22 hexaen 20 one and 70,8 175,24 diepoxy- 3,24 dihydroxy 19,21 dinorchola l,3,5(l),22- tetraen 20 one, described in Example 22, are hydrogenated to afiord the 24-acetates, 24-propanoates, 24- butanoates, 24 pentanoates, 24 hexanoates and 24- heptanoates of the 3-tetrahydropyranyl ethers of 3,24- dihydroxy 175,24 epoxy 19,21 dinorchola 1,3,5 trien 2O one, 3,24 dihydroxy 175,24 epoxy- 19, 21 dinorchola 1,3,5,6,8(9) pentaen one and 701,8 175,24 diepoxy 3,24 dihydroxy 19, 21- dinorchola 1,3,5 (10) trien 20 one, as mixtures of isomers A and B.

In a similar manner the mixtures of isomers A and B of the 24-aeetates, 24-propanoates, 24-butanoates, 24- pentanoates, 24-hexanoates, 24 heptanoates of the 3- methyl, 3 ethyl, 3 propyl, 3 isopropyl, 3 n butyl, 3 sec. butyl, 3 cyclopentyl, 3 cyclohexyl ethers of 7u,8-175,24 diepoxy 3,24 dihydroxy 19,21-dinorchola 1,3,5(10),22 tetraen 20 one, described in Example 23, are hydrogenated to give the 24 acetates, 24 propanoates, 24 butanoates, 24 pentanoates, 24- hexanoates, 24 heptanoates of the 3 methyl, 3 ethyl, 3 propyl, 3 isopropyl, 3 n butyl, 3 sec. butyl, 3 cyclopentyl, 3 cyclohexyl ethers of 7a,8-l7,8,24- diepoxy 3,24 dihydroxy 19,21 dinorchola-1,3,5(l0)- trien 20 one, as mixtures of isomers A and B.

Similarly, hydrogenation of the mixtures of isomers A and B of symmetrical and mixed 3,24 diesters of 3,24- dihydroxy 175,24 epoxy 19,21 dinorchola 1,3,5 (10),22 tetraen 20 one, 3, 24 dihydroxy 175,24- epoxy 19,21 dinorchola 1,3,5,6,8(9),22-hexaen-20- one and 7a,8 175,24 diepoxy 3,24 dihydroxy 19,21- dinorchola 1,3,5(10),22 tetraen 20 one, described in Example 24, yields the corresponding mixtures of isomers A and B of the symmetrical and mixed 3,24 diesters of 3,24 dihydroxy 175,24 epoxy 19,21 dinorchola- 1,3,5(10) trien 2O one, 3,24 dihydroxy 175,24- epoxy 19,21 dinorchola 1,3,5,6,8(9) pentaen 20- one, and 7a,8-175,24 diepoxy 3,24 dihydroxy 1 9,21- dinorchola 1,3,5(10) trien 2O one, such as for example: the 3,24 diacetates; 3 acetate,24 propanoates; 3 acetate, 24 butanoates; 3 acetate, 24-pentanoates; 3 acetate, 24 hexanoates; 3 acetate, 24- heptanoates; 3 propanoates, 24 acetates; 3,24 dipropanoates; 3 propanoate, 24 butanoates; 3 propanoate, 24 pentanoates; 3 propanoate, 24 hexanoates; 3 propanoate, 24 heptanoates; 3 butanoate, 24 acetates; 3 butanoate, 24 propanoates; 3,24 dibutanoates; 3 butanoate, 24 pentanoates; 3- butanoate, 24 hexanoates; 3 butanoate, 24 heptanoates; 3- pentanoate, 24 acetates; 3 pentanoate, 24 propanoates; 3 pantanoate, 24 butanoates; 3,24 dipentanoates; 3 pentanoate, 24 hexanoates; 3 pentanoate, 24 heptanoates; 3 hexanoate, 24 acetates; 3 hexanoate, 24 propanoates; 3 hexanoate, 24 butanoates; 3 hexanoate, 24 pentanoates, 3,24 dihexanoates; 3- hexanoate, 24 heptanoates; 3 heptanoate, 24 acetates; 3 heptanoate, 24 propanoates; 3 heptanoate, 24- butanoates; 3 heptanoate, 24 pentanoates; 3-heptanoate, 24-hexanoates and 3,24-diheptanoates.

In a similar manner the mixtures of isomers A and B of the 24 acetates, 24 propanoates, 24 butanoates, 24 pentanoates, 24 hexanoates;, 24 heptanoates of 3,24 dihydroxy 175,24 epoxy 19,21 dinorchola- 1,3,5(10),22 tetraen 20 one, 3,24-dihydroxy-175,24- epoxy 19,21 dinorchola 1,3,5,6,8(9),22 hexaen-ZO- one and 704,8 175,24 diepoxy 3,24 dihydroxy-19,21-

dinorchola 1,3,5(l0),22 tetraen 20 -one, obtained in Example 25, are hydrogenated to yield mixtures of isomers A and B of the 24-acetates, 24 propanoates, 24 butanoates, 24 pentanoates, 24 hexanoates, and 24 heptanoates of 3,24 dihydroxy 175,24 epoxy- 19,2l dinorchola 1,3,5(10) trien 20 one, 3,24- dihydroxy 175,24 epoxy 19,21 dinorchola-1,3,5,6,8 (9) pentaen 20 one and 701,8 175,24-diepoxy-3,24- dihydroxy 19,21 dinorchola 1,3,5 l0)-trien-20-one.

EXAMPLE 38 To a suspension of prehydrogenated 10% palladium on calcium carbonate (435 mg.) in a small volume of ethyl acetate, is added a solution of the mixture of isomers A and B of the 3,24 dimethyl ether of 3,24- dihydroxy 175,24 epoxy 19,21-dinorchola-1,3,5(l0), 22 tetraen 20 one, (1.7 g.) described in Example 26. in ethyl acetate ml.). The mixture is hydrogenated for 15 minutes at room temperature and at normal pressure. The catalyst is filtered and washed with ethyl acetate. After evaporating the filtrate, the residue is crystallized from methylene chloride acetone yielding the 3,24- dimethyl ether of 3,24 dihydroxy 175,24 epoxy- 19,21 dinorchola 1,3,5(1 0) trien 20 one as a mixture of isomers A and B M.P. 147148.

In the same manner, the mixtures of isomers A and B of the other symmetrical and mixed 3,24 diethers of 3,24 dihydroxy 175,24 epoxy 19,21 dinorcholal,3,5(10),22 tetraen 20 one, described in Example 26, are hydrogenated to yield the corresponding mixtures of isomers A and B of the 3,24 diethers of 3,24dihydroxy 175,24 epoxy 19,21 dinorchola 1,3,5(10) trien 20 one such as the 3 methyl, 24 ethyl; 3- methyl, 24 propyl; 3 methyl, 24 isopropyl; 3 methyl, 24 n butyl; 3 methyl, 24 sec. butyl; 3 methyl, 24 cyclopentyl; 3 methyl, 24 cyclohexyl; 3 ethyl, 24 methyl; 3,24 diethyl; 3 ethyl, 24 propyl; 3-ethyl, 24 isopropyl; 3 ethyl, 24 n butyl; 3 ethyl, 24-sec.- butyl; 3 ethyl, 24 cyclopentyl; 3 ethyl, 24 cyclohexyl; 3 propyl, 24 methyl; 3 propyl, 24 ethyl; 3,24 dipropyl; 3 propyl, 24 isopropyl; 3 propyl, 24 n butyl; 3 propyl, 24 sec. butyl; 3 propyl, 24 cyclopentyl; 3 propyl, 24 cyclohexyl; 3 isopropyl, 24 methyl; 3- isopropyl, 24 ethyl; 3 isopropyl, 24 propyl; 3,24- diisopropyl; 3 isopropyl, 24 n butyl; 3 isopropyl, 24- sec. butyl; 3 isopropyl, 24 cyclopentyl; 3 isopropyl, 24 cyclohexyl; 3 n butyl, 24 methyl; 3 n butyl, 24 ethyl; 3 n butyl, 24 propyl; 3 n butyl, 24- isopropyl; 3,24 dibutyl; 3 n butyl, 24 sec. butyl; 3 n butyl, 24 cyclopentyl; 3 n butyl, 24 cyclohexyl; 3 sec. butyl, 24 methyl; 3 sec. butyl, 24 ethyl; 3- sec. butyl, 24 propyl; 3 -sec. butyl, 24 isopropyl; 3- sec. butyl, 24 n butyl; 3,24 di sec. butyl; 3-sec.- butyl, 24 cyclopentyl; 3 -sec. butyl, 24 cyclohexyl; 3 cyclopentyl, 24 methyl; 3 cyclopentyl, 24 ethyl; 3- cyclopentyl, 24 propyl; 3 cyclopentyl, 24 isopropyl; 3- cyclopentyl, 24 n butyl; 3 cyclopentyl, 24 sec. butyl; 3,24 dicyclopentyl; 3 cyclopentyl, 24 cyclohexyl; 3- cyclohexyl, 24 methyl; 3 cyclohexyl, 24 ethyl; 3- cyclohexyl, 24 propyl; 3 cyclohexyl, 24 isopropyl; 3- cyclohexyl, 24 n butyl; 3 cyclohexyl, 24 sec. butyl; 3 cyclohexyl, 24 cyclopentyl and 3,24-dicyclohexyl.

Similarly, hydrogenation of the mixtures of isomers A and B of the symmetrical and mixed 3,24-diethers of 3,24- dihydroxy 175,24 epoxy 19,21-dinorchola-1,3,5,6,8(9) 22-hexaen-20-one and 7a,8-175,24-diepoxy-3,24 dihydroxy-19,21-dinorchola-1,3,5(10),22-tetra 2O one, described in Example 26, affords the corresponding mixtures of isomers A and B of the 3,24-diethers of 3,24-dihydroxy-175,24-epoxy 19,21 dinorchola l,3,5,6,8(9)- pentaen-ZO-one and 7a,8-175,24-diepoxy-3,24-dihydroxy- 19,21-dinorchola-1,3,5(l0)-trien-20-one, such as the 3,24- dimethyl; 3-methyl, 24-ethyl; 3-methyl, 24-propyl; 3- methyl, 24-isopropyl; 3-methyl, 24-n-butyl; 3-methyl, 24-

tetraenoic acid fi-lactone (9.2 g), described in Example 34, chloroform (275 ml.), glacial acetic acid (370 ml.) and Zinc dust (46 g.) is stirred for 60 minutes at room temperature. The metal is filtered and washed with chloroform. The filtrate is evaporated to a small volume and the residue is diluted with water. The resulting solid is filtered, washed with water and dried yielding the 3- rnethyl ether of 3,175-dihydroxy-7a,8-epoxy-20-oxo-19,- 21-dinorchola-1,3,5(l0) trienoic acid fi-lactone M.P. 214-217.

Similarly the 3-ethyl, 3-propyl, 3-isopropyl, 3-n-butyl, 3-sec.-butyl, 3 cyclopentyl, 3 cyclohexyl ethers of 3,175 dihydroxy 7a,8-epoxy-20-oxo-19,21-dinorchola- 1,3,5 10) ,22 tetraenoic acid fi-lactone are reduced to yield the 3-ethyl, 3-propyl, 3-isopropyl, 3-n-butyl, 3-sec.-butyl, 3-cycl0penty1, 3-cyclohexyl ethers of 3,175 dihydroxy- 7u,8 epoxy 2O x0 19,21-din0rchola-1,3,5(10')- trienoic acid fi-lactone.

EXAMPLE 42 A solution of 3,175 dihydroxy-ZO-oxo-19,21-dinorchola-1,3,5(10)-trienoic acid B-lactone (7.6 g.), prepared in Example 39, pyridine (76 ml.) and acetic anhydride (76 ml.) is stirred for two hours at room temperature. The solution is poured in ice-water and the resulting solid is filtered, washed with water and dried. Crystallization of this solid with acetone and then methylene chloridemethanol affords the 3-acetate of 3,175-dihydroxy-20- oxo-19,21 dinorchola-1,3,5(10)-trienoic acid fi-lactone M.P. 212-214".

'In a similar manner acylation with other acylating agents of 3,175 dihydroxy 20-oxo-19,21-dinorchola- 1,3,5(10)-trienoic acid 8-lactone affords the 3-propanoate, 3-butanoate, 3-pentanoate, 3-hexanoate and 3-heptanoate of 3,175 dihydroxy 20-oxo-19,2l-dinorchloa-1,3,5(10)- trienoic acid fi-lactone.

Similarly acylation of 3,175-dihydroxy-20-oxo-19,21- dinorchola l,3,5,6,8(9)-pentaenoic acid fi-lactone and 3,175-dihydroxy-7a,8 epoxy 20 oxo 19,21-dinorchola-1,3,5(10)-trienoic acid fi-lactone yields the corresponding 3-acylates such as the 3-acetates, 3-propanoates, 3-butanoates, 3-hexanoates, 3-pentanoates and 3-heptanoates of 3,175 dihydroxy 20 oxo-19,21-dinorchola- 1,3,5,6,8(9) pentaenoic acid S lactone and 3,175-dihydroxy-7a,8-epoxy 20 oxo 19,21-dinorchola-1,3,5(10)- trienoic acid fi-lactone.

EXAMPLE 43 A mixture of the 3-acetate of 3,175-dihydroxy-20-oxo- 19,21-dinorchola-1,3,5(10),22 tetraenoic acid B-lactone (1 g.), described in Example 33, glacial acetic acid (50 ml.) and zinc dust g.) is stirred for one hour at room temperature. The metal is filtered and the filtrate is diluted with water. The resulting solid is filtered, washed with Water and dried to yield the 3-acetate of 3,175-dihydroxy- 20-oxo-19,21dinorchola-1,3,5 ()-trienoic acid B-lactone identical with the product obtained in Example 42.

In a similar manner the 3-propanoate, 3-butanoate, 3- pentanoate, 3-hexanoate, 3-heptanoate of 3,175-dihydroxy--oxo-19,21-dinorchola-1,3,5(10*),22 tetraenoic acid fi-lactone, described in Example 33, are reduced to yield the 3-propanoate, 3 butanoate, 3-pentanoate, 3- hexanoate and 3-heptanoate of 3,175-dihydroxy-20-oxo- 19,21-dinorcho1a-1,3,5(10)-trienoic acid B-lactone.

Similarly reduction of the 3-acetates, 3-propanoates, 3- butanoates, 3-pentanoates, 3-hexanoates and 3-heptan0- ates of 3,175 dihydroxy 20 0xo-19,2l-dinorchola- 1,3,5,6,8(9),22-hexaenoic acid fi-lactone and 3,175-dihydroxy 701,8 epoxy-20-oxy-19,21-dinorchola-1,3,S(10),- 22-tetraenoic acid fi-lactone, obtained in Example 33, afiords the 3-acetates, 3-propanoates, 3-butanoates, 3- pentanoates, 3-hexanoates and 3-heptanoates 0f 3,175-di- 28 hydroxy 20 oxo 19,21 dinorchola 1,3,5,6,8(9)- pentaenoic acid 6-lactone and 3,175 dihydroxy-71x3- epoxy-20-oxo-19,2l-dinorchola-1,3,5(10) trienoic acid B-lactone.

EXAMPLE 44 By the method described in Example 30, the mixtures of isomers A and B of 3,24-dihydroxy-175,24-ep0xy-19, 21 dinorchola1,3,5(10) trien 20 one, 3,24 dihydroxy 175,24 epoxy 19,21 dinorchola 1,3,5,6,8, (9)-pentaen-20-one and 7a,8-175,24-diepoxy-3,24-dihydroxy 19,21 dinorchola 1,3,5(10) trien 20 one, obtained in Example 36, are oxidized with chromic acid in acetone solutions to yield 3,175-dihydroxy-20-oxo- 19,21-dinorchola-1,3,5(10)-trienoic acid fi-lactone, 3,175- dihydroxy 20 oxo 19,21 dinorchola 1,3,5,6',8,(9) pentaenoic acid 6-1actone and 3,17-dihydroxy-7u,8-epoxy- 20-oxo-19,21-dinorchola-1,3,5( 10)-trienoic acid s-lactone.

Similarly oxidation of mixtures of isomers A and B of the 3-acetates, 3-propanoates, 3-butanoates, 3-pentanoates, 3-hexanoates and 3-heptanoates of 3,24-dihydroxy-175,24- epoxy-19,21-dinorchola-1,345( l0)-Ttrien-20-one, 3,24-dihydroxy 175,24 epoxy 19,21 dinorchola 1,3,5,6,8 (9)-pentaen-20-one and ,8-175,24-diepoxy-3,24-d1l1ydroxy 19,21 dinorchola 1,3,5 (10)-trien-20-one, obtained in Example 36, yields the B-acetates, B propanoates, 3-butanoates, 3-pentan0ates, 3-hexanoates and 3-heptanoates of 3,175-dihydroxy-20-oxo-19,21-dinorchola- 1,3,5(10)-trienoic acid fi-lactone, 3,17 5-dihydroxy-20-oxo- 19,21-dinorchola-1,3,5,6,8(9)-pentaen0ic acid fi-lactone and 3,175-dihydroxy-7a,8-epoxy-20-oxo-19,21-dinorchola- 1,3,5( 10 -trienoic acid B-lactone.

In a similar manner this mixtures of isomers A and B of the 3-rnethyl, 3-ethyl, 3-propyl, 3-isopropyl, 3-n-butyl, 3-sec.-butyl, 3-cyc1opentyl and 3-cyclohexyl ethers of 3,24- dihydroxy 175,24 epoxy 19,21 dinorchola 1,3,5 (10) trien 20 one, 3,24 dihydroxy 175,24 epoxy- 19,21 dinorchola 1,3,5,6,8(9) pentaen 20 one and 711,8 175,24 epoxy 3,24 dihydroxy 19,21 dinorchlora-l,3,5(10)-trien-20-one, obtained in Example 36, are oxidized to afford the 3-methyl, 3-ethyl, 3-propy1, 3-isopropyl, 3-n-buty1, 3-sec.-buty1, 3-cyclopentyl and 3- cyclohexyl ethers of 3,175-dihydroxy 20 oxo 19,21- dinorchola 1,3,5 (10) trienoic acid 6 lactone, 3,175- dihydroxy 20 oxo 19,21 dinorchola 1,3,5,6,8(9)- pentaenoio acid 6-lact0ne and 3,175-dihydroxy 70;,8- epoxy-ZO-oxo 19,21 dinorcho1a-1,3,5(10)-trienoic acid a-lactone.

I claim:

1. A compound of the formula in which R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl groups containing from 1-4 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl groups containing from 56 carbon atoms, the tetrahydropyranyl group, and acyl groups containing from 2-7 carbon atoms; R and R together represent ketonic oxygen; and R is hydrogen and R is selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl, aliphatic acyloxy groups containing from 2-7 carbon atoms, alkoxy groups containing from 1-4 carbon atoms, and cycloalkoxy groups containing from 5-6 carbon atoms.

2. A compound of the formula in which R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl groups containing from 1-4 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl groups containing from -6 carbon atoms, the tetrahydropyranyl group, and acyl groups containing from 2-7 carbon atoms; R and R together represent ketonic oxygen; and R is hydrogen and R is selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl, aliphatic acyloxy groups containing from 2-7 carbon atoms, alkoxy groups containing from 1-4 carbon atoms, and cycloalkoxy groups containing from 5-6 carbon atoms.

4. A compound as described in claim 1 which is: 3,24- dihydroxy 17 9,24 epoxy 19,21 dinorchola 1,3,5 ,22-tetraen--one.

5. A compound as described in claim 1 which is: the 3-methyl ether of 3,24-dihydroxy-l7p,'24-epoxy-19,21-dinorchola-1,3,5 (10),22-tetraen-20-one.

6. A compound as described in claim 1 which is: the 24-acetate of the 3-methyl ether of 3,24-dihydroxy-l7/3,24- epoxy-19,21-dinorchola-1,3,5 10) ,22-teu-aen-20-one.

7. A compound as described in claim 1 which is: the 3,24-dimethyl ether of 3,24-dihydroxy-17fi,24-epoxy-19, 21-dinorchola-1,3,5(l0),22-tetraen-20-one.

8. A compound as described in claim 1 which is: the 3-cyclopentyl ether of 3,24-dihydroxy-175,24-epoxy- 19,21-dinorchola-1,3 ,5 10) ,22-tetraen-20-one.

9. A compound as described in claim 1 which is: the 24-acetate of the 3-cyclopentyl ether of 3,24-dihydroxy- 17,3,24 epoxy 19,21 dinorchola 1,3,5(10),22 tetraen-20-one.

10. A compound as described in claim 1 which is: the 3,24-diacetate of 3,24-dihydroxy-17,B,24-epoxy-19,2l-dinorcho1a-1,3,5 10) ,22-tetraen-20-one.

11. A compound as described in claim 1 which is: the 3-methyl ether of 3,17B-dihydroxy-20-oxo-19,21- dinorchola-1,3,5 (10),22-tetraenoic acid fi-lactone.

12. A compound as described in claim 1 which is: the 3-acetate of 3,17/3-dihydroxy-20-oxo-19,21-dinorchola- 1,3,5 l0),22-tetraenoic acid fi-lactone. I

13. A compound as described in claim 1 which is: the 3-cyclopentyl ether of 3,17B-dihydroXy-20-oxo-19,2ldinorchola-1,3,5 10) ,ZZ-tetraenoic acid fi-lactone.

14. A compound as described in claim 1 which is: the B-methyl ether of 3,l7fi-dihydroxy-20-oxo-19,21- dinorchol-a-l,3,5(10)-trienoic acid o-lactone.

15. A compound as described in claim 1 which is: the 3-acetate of 3,17,8-dihydroxy-20-oxo-19,2 l-dinorchola- 1,3,5 (10) -trienoic acid 6-lactone.

16. A compound as described in claim 3 which is: the 3-methyl ether of 711,8-175,24-diepoxy-3,24-dihydroxy- 19,21-dinorchola-1,3,5(10),22-tetraen-20-one.

17. A compound as described in claim 3 which is: the 24-acetate of the 3-methyl ether of 7a,8-l7fi,24- diepoxy-3,24-dihydroxy-l9,2l dinorchola 1,3,5,(10),22- tetraen-ZO-one.

18. A compound as described in claim 3, which is the methyl ether of 3,17B-dihydroxy-7a,8-epoxy-20-oxo-19,21-

dinorch0l'a-l,3,5(10),22-tetraen0ic acid a-lactone.

19. A compound of the formula in which R represents hydrogen, a lower aliphatic alkyl group from one to four carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group of five to six carbon atoms, a tetrahypropyranyl group and an acyl group of two to seven carbon atoms.

20. A compound of the formula in which R represents hydrogen, a lower aliphatic alkyl group of one to four carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group of five to six carbon atoms, a tetrahydropyranyl group and an acyl group of two to seven carbon atoms.

21. A compound of formula in which R represents hydrogen, a lower aliphatic alkyl group of one to four carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group of five to six carbon atoms, a tetrahydropyranyl group and an acylgroup of two to seven carbon atoms.

l on ($1 1 :15.4 22. A process for preparing compounds of the 23. A process for preparing compounds of the formula formulae H CH F E H CH H CH HO 0:0 o %H CII 5 in which R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl groups containing from 1-4 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl groups containing from 5-6 carbon atoms, the tetrahydropyranyl group, and acyl groups containing from 27 carbon atoms which comprises treating a compound of the formula RO- i in which R has the same significance as defined above, With an organic peracid, and isolating the reaction product.

in which R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl groups containing from 1-4 carbon References Gite! atoms, cycloalkyl groups containing from 5-6 carbon UNITED STATES PATENTS atoms, the tetrahydropyranyl group, and acyl groups con- 3,432,486 3/1969 Minam taming from 2-7 carbon atoms, whlch comprises treatlng the corresponding 17a[2'-furyl]l7{3-hydroxy steroid with HENRY A, FRENCH, Primary Examiner an acid selected from the group consisting of organic peracids and hypohalous acids, and isolating the reaction 1 US. Cl. X.R.

product. 260239.57, 999

" UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 569 CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3 j47 9] 2 Dated D b 15 1919 Inventor(s) Yvon Lefebvre It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Claim 2, Column 29, line 22 the words "aliphatic alkoxy groups" should read aliphatic acyloxy groups Signed and sealed this 11th day of April 1972.

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD FLFLETCHEB, JR. ROBERT GOTTSCHALK Commissioner of Pate;

Attesting Officer 

